The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, August 5, 2026 by The Weekly Advertiser

Club rebuild letdown

BY LAUREN HENRY

Horsham councillors have hit out at the State Government for failing to adequately fund fire recovery in Natimuk.

At last week’s council meeting, councillors passed a motion to auspice government funding applications to rebuild Natimuk Bowling Club, which was damaged in January’s Grass Flat fire.

The clubrooms were destroyed and the synthetic green incurred significant damage.

The $1.7-million project will include $940,000 for a new pavilion and related works and $780,617 for the green and related works.

The project will be funded by

$440,000 from the bowling club’s insurance; with hopes to receive $500,000 from Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Local Sports and Infrastructure Fund and $780,617 from SRV’s Community Support Fund, CSF.

It is understood CSF grant applications are only invited under specific circumstances, and will require political support such as Natimuk Bowling Club seeking election commitments from the various parties ahead of the State Election in November.

Horsham Mayor Brian Klowss was forthright in his assessment of the situation, and said although he was 100 per cent behind the funding application, it should have already been funded by government recovery money.

“I’d like it noted that I’m very dis-

appointed after discussions with relevant ministers afterwards, even the premier, that this was going to be funded through the recovery after the fire,” he said.

“Having been quite heavily involved in the fire and in meetings before it –this and the two other sporting clubs that were impacted by the fire were going to be funded. The rebuild was going to be funded.

“Anyway, it’s disappeared. So it is actually very, very disappointing from a State Government level to have to be doing this for a sporting club that is out of existence until they get a rebuild.

“It’s very disappointing because this is going to draw the process out even longer for them.

“I think it’s a great idea that we’re actually going in to do it, but we shouldn’t really have to be doing it.”

The criticism follows Nationals MP Annabelle Cleeland’s claims in her electorate where the Longwood bushfire occurred, recovery funds had not been distributed fairly and were ‘severely underfunded’.

Cr Ian Ross said the Natimuk Bowling Club was ‘so important’ for the rebuilding of the fire-affected town, but it was unfortunate the government and politicians promised there would be funding and that had changed.

“But council can provide the oversight, the governance and help play an important role,” he said.

Cr Cameron McDonald said there was a revival of bowling across all age

groups, and Natimuk Bowling Club was a community asset and gathering point.

“After a fire, government really does open its mouth and promise big and deliver little,” he said.

“And they will say ‘Yes, we’re here to help you, and we’re going to put back whatever is possibly lost’ so this is an opportunity for them to actually do that.

“I would be very surprised if this didn’t go through.”

In a letter to the council, Natimuk Bowling Club president Bob Pritchett and secretary Graeme Brown wrote that members had voted to proceed with the funding strategy at a meeting on June 22.

Continued page 3

SWAN SONG: Natimuk Brass Band has disbanded after 124 years, citing declining member numbers and increasing members’ ages. It is the end of an era for band members, from left, Brian Lewis, 87, Charlie McCuish, 88, and Bob White, 88. Story, page 3.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

HRCC NEWS

This week’s Mayor’s message

Regional Events Forum Helps Strengthen Local Events

COMMUNITY

Permanent Full-Time Closes Thursday 30 July

RATES OFFICER - VALUATIONS & PROPERTY

Permanent Full-Time

Youth Grants Program

Last week, HRCC, in partnership with Hindmarsh, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack Shire Councils, hosted a Regional Events Forum for local event organisers.

The forum provided valuable insights into current event trends, funding opportunities, succession planning and innovative ideas to help strengthen and grow community events.

As we enter August, it’s clear there is no shortage of important work underway across our municipality and the wider region. From bushfire recovery and community advocacy to long-term planning and infrastructure investment, our focus continues to be on initiatives that will support our community both now and into the future.

Local youth name Council’s

HRCC NEWS

Last week, HRCC, in partnership with Hindmarsh, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack Shire Councils, hosted a Regional Events Forum for local event organisers.

Events play a vital role in enhancing community liveability while also supporting local tourism and strengthening regional economies. Visitors attending events contribute to local businesses by spending on accommodation, dining, shopping and other services, creating lasting benefits for the wider community.

The forum provided valuable insights into current event trends, funding opportunities, succession planning and innovative ideas to help strengthen and grow community events.

Our advocacy efforts also continue, with a meeting at Parliament House last week alongside Leader of The Nationals Danny O’Brien and local MPs Emma Kealy and Jade Benham. In the lead-up to the State Election, I am continuing to raise issues impacting our region on behalf of Horsham Rural City Council and the Wimmera Southern Mallee Alliance of Councils, ensuring the needs and priorities of our communities remain firmly on the agenda.

The Forum's program was presented by the Australia Centre for Regional Events, who delivered an engaging and inspiring series of sessions focused on innovation, emerging trends, event revitalisation, succession planning and practical strategies to enhance the sustainability and long-term success of regional events.

30 event organisers and representatives from across the region attended the informative forum, taking the opportunity to network, exchange ideas and gain practical knowledge to support the continued success and longevity of local events.

people from across the municipality to add some personality to Council's rubbish trucks, with name suggestions and votes municipality.

Looking to grow, innovate or improve your business?

Many pop culture references, clever alliterations and terrible puns later, the fleet now consists of:

The Business Enhancement Support Program is now open and ready to help local businesses take the next step.

•Garbage Guzzler • Optimus Grime

All seven of Horsham Rural City Council's rubbish trucks now have names, thanks to a competition run by Council's Waste and Youth Services teams earlier this July.

•The Bin Bandit • Trash-o-saurus

Funding is available for projects that support:

•Peppa Rig • Truck Norris • Bin Diesel

• Business innovation

• Operational improvements

• Marketing strategies

CAREERS AT HRCC

“It's been terrific to see the enthusiasm shown by our younger residents through the name Our Rubbish Rigs Program” said Mayor Cr Brian Klowss.

Closer to home, recovery remains a priority following the January 2026 Grass Flat Bushfire. Our Fire Recovery Hub continues to provide support to affected residents and remains open in Natimuk, with the Grass Flat Recovery Team on site on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It has been encouraging to see a range of recovery initiatives helping bring people together, strengthen community connections and support those impacted. While much progress has been made, recovery is a long journey, and we remain committed to walking alongside these communities every step of the way.

• Accessibility and inclusiveness

Local event organisers were encouraged to think creatively, equipping them with valuable tools and ideas to support their volunteer committees and future event planning.

Local youth name Council’s rubbish truck fleet

Local event organisers were encouraged to think creatively, equipping them with valuable tools and ideas to support their volunteer committees and future event planning.

All seven of Horsham Rural City Council's rubbish trucks now have names, thanks to a competition run by Council's Waste and Youth Services teams earlier this July.

The "Name Our Rubbish Rigs" program invited young people from across the municipality to add some personality to Council's rubbish trucks, with name suggestions and votes received by Council's Youth Services team directly, as well as through schools and other youth networks across the municipality.

• Business growth

COMMUNITY STRENGTHENING

“It's a fun initiative that has given young people an opportunity to engage with Council while adding a little extra personality to an important community service.”

If you’re an existing business operating within the Horsham Rural City Council area, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Many pop culture references, clever alliterations and terrible puns later, the fleet now consists of:

•Garbage Guzzler • Optimus Grime

•The Bin Bandit • Trash-o-saurus

For their efforts, seven lucky voters received $50 vouchers from a random prize draw, drawn by Mayor Cr Brian Klowss and Youth Council Mayor Cassara Rowan and Youth Council Deputy Mayor Minha Rahman.

•Peppa Rig • Truck Norris • Bin Diesel

Applications are now open!

For more information, and to apply, scan the QR code.

Name plates will be added to the trucks at a later date.

“It's been terrific to see the enthusiasm shown by our younger residents through the name Our Rubbish Rigs Program” said Mayor Cr Brian Klowss.

“It's a fun initiative that has given young people an opportunity to engage with Council while adding a little extra personality to an important community service.”

The HRCC Youth Grants Program is all about helping young people aged 10–25 turn great ideas into real projects that make a difference. Whether you want to run an event, launch a creative project, improve your community, learn new skills, or tackle an issue that matters to you, Youth Grants can help bring your idea to life.

Council also met last week to consider a number of funding applications that will help support future investment across our municipality. These included support to assist the rebuild of the Natimuk Bowling Club, applications to develop master plans for key recreation precincts, and a further funding application to upgrade lighting at the Horsham Aerodrome. Council also endorsed the continued use of the Burnt Creek Dirt Jumps following a successful year-long trial. Seeking external funding is an important way we can continue delivering projects and improvements that benefit our community while making the most of available opportunities.

Calling Horsham Businesses - Business Enhancement Grants Are Open

Many pop culture references, clever alliterations and terrible puns later, the fleet now consists of:

•Garbage Guzzler • Optimus Grime

•The Bin Bandit • Trash-o-saurus

Looking to grow, innovate or improve your business?

•Peppa Rig • Truck Norris • Bin Diesel

“It's been terrific to see the enthusiasm shown by our younger residents through the name Our Rubbish Rigs Program” said Mayor Cr Brian Klowss.

The Business Enhancement Support Program is now open and ready to help local businesses take the next step. Funding is available for projects that support:

At the meeting, I also acknowledged the release of Barengi Gadjin Land Council’s Country Plan, marking ten years since the Wotjobaluk Nations first outlined their vision and aspirations for Country in 2017. The plan highlights the significant progress made over the past decade while setting a clear direction for the future. It is an important milestone and a valuable opportunity to reflect on the ongoing work of caring for Country, preserving culture and strengthening partnerships across the region.

• Business innovation

• Operational improvements

“It's a fun initiative that has given young people an opportunity to engage with Council while adding a little extra personality to an important community service.”

• Marketing strategies

• Accessibility and inclusiveness

• Business growth

To apply for these jobs or to view casual and part-time positions, please visit the HRCC website or scan the QR code.

Cuppa + Conversations - Creative Recovery Project 18 August - 10am-11am NC2 Building, 62 Main St Natimuk

For their efforts, seven lucky voters received $50 vouchers from a random prize draw, drawn by Mayor Cr Brian Klowss and Youth Council Mayor Cassara Rowan and Youth Council Deputy Mayor Minha Rahman.

Name plates will be added to the trucks at a later date.

TENDERS AND RFQ

Come join the Fire Recovery Hub for a lively discussion on community expression through creativity. Whether you’re an artist wanting to work with the community or someone who was big ideas but isn’t ‘arty’, we want you to come along and discuss creative recovery in Natimuk and Quantong. This is the starting point for a community-centred project.

Q01/2027

Cuppa + Conversations - Creative Recovery Project

Grants of $200 to $2,500 are available for projects that benefit young people who live, work or study in the Horsham Rural City municipality. You don’t need to have everything figured out either – the HRCC Youth Team can help you develop your idea, connect you with mentors or community organisations, and guide you through the application process.

If needed, an auspice organisation such as a school, sporting club or not-for-profit can support your project.

18 August - 10am-11am NC2 Building, 62 Main St Natimuk

If you have any questions please reach out to the Fire Recovery Hub team on 0419 779 172 or recovery@hrcc.vic.gov.au

HORSHAM AQUATIC CENTRE FEASIBILITY STUDY Closes Monday 24 August

Social Media Made Simple Workshops 18 August & 15 September - 6.30pm-10.30pm

Q02-2027

NC2 Building, 62 Main St Natimuk

MATERNAL & CHILD HEALTH AND IMMUNISATION SERVICES REVIEW Closes Friday 14 August

If you’ve got an idea that could create positive change, build connections, celebrate young people, or make Horsham an even better place to live, the HRCC Youth Grants Program is here to help make it happen.

For more information, and to apply, scan the QR code.

Want to improve your social media presence but don't know where to start? Learn the strategies and techniques behind what makes a strong and engaging social media presence!

All tender, EOI and RFQ details at hrcc.vic.gov.au

Tenders and RFQs

Looking to grow, innovate or improve your business?

For their efforts, seven lucky voters received $50 vouchers from a random prize draw, drawn by Mayor Cr Brian Klowss and Youth Council Mayor Cassara Rowan and Youth Council Deputy Mayor Minha Rahman.

That’s a snapshot of what’s been keeping Council busy last week. As always, I’d love to see more of you get involved, whether that’s popping into the Recovery Hub at Natimuk, having your say on a project, or just staying in the loop. See you around town.

Have a great week,

If you have any questions please reach out to the Fire Recovery Hub team on 0419 779 172 or recovery@hrcc.vic.gov.au

Social Media Made Simple Workshops

Name plates will be added to the trucks at a later date.

Mayor Cr Brian Klowss

Q01/2027

Horsham Aquatic Centre Feasibility Study

The Business Enhancement Support Program is now open and ready to help local businesses take the next step.

Funding is available for projects that support:

If you're an existing business operating within the Horsham Rural City Council area, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for. Applications are now open!

Careers at HRCC

• Business innovation

Cuppa + Conversations - Creative Recovery Project

• Operational improvements

For more information, and to apply, scan the QR code.

• Marketing strategies

• Accessibility and inclusiveness

18 August - 10am-11am NC2 Building, 62 Main St Natimuk

• Business growth

If you're an existing business operating within the Horsham Rural City Council area, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

To apply for these jobs or to view

Applications are now open!

For more information, and to apply, scan the QR code.

If you have any questions please reach out to the Fire Recovery Hub team on 0419 779 172 or recovery@hrcc.vic.gov.au

Social Media Made Simple Workshops

18 August & 15 September - 6.30pm-10.30pm NC2 Building, 62 Main St Natimuk

The August session relates to understanding your audience and creating content that resonates, while the September session covers improving your photography and videography with hands-on content creation exercises.

Bookings are essential, register with the QR code.

Want to improve your social media presence but don't know where to start? Learn the strategies and techniques behind what makes a strong and engaging social media presence!

The August session relates to understanding your

creation exercises.

Bookings are essential, register with the QR code.

Know what's happening at HRCC. Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter.

Council Meeting: Monday, August 24, 2026 - 5.30pm Horsham Rural City Council: 18 Roberts Avenue

Have Your Say - The Future of Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park

Parks Victoria are seeking feedback on our proposed amendment to the Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park (Dyurrite Cultural Landscape) Management Plan.

Closes Monday 24 August

Q02/2027

The proposal aims to better protect Dyurrite's significant cultural heritage while continuing to provide opportunities for climbing and other park experiences.

Maternal & Child Health And Immunisation Services Review Closes Friday 14 August

Visit Engage Victoria with the link below for more information and to have your say.

Parks Victoria are seeking feedback on our proposed amendment to the Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park (Dyurrite Cultural Landscape) Management Plan.

Have Your Say

Baillie Street and Horsham West

The proposal aims to better protect Dyurrite's significant cultural heritage while continuing to provide opportunities for climbing and other park experiences.

Pedestrian Safety Improvements

Closes 23 August 2026

Visit Engage Victoria with the link below for more information and to have your say.

Scan here to have your say.

Want to improve your social media presence but don't know where to start? Learn the strategies and techniques behind what makes a strong and engaging social media presence!

Email: council@hrcc.vic.gov.au | Web: www.hrcc.vic.gov.au

The August session relates to understanding your audience and creating content that resonates, while the September session covers improving your photography

GRASS FLAT FIRE RECOVERY EVENTS

Left to right: Deputy Youth Mayor Minha Raman, Youth Mayor Cassara Rowan and Mayor Cr Brian Klowss

GRASS FLAT FIRE RECOVERY EVENTS

Left to right: Deputy Youth Mayor Minha Raman, Youth Mayor Cassara Rowan and Mayor Cr Brian Klowss

United in mental-health advocacy

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Wimmera Southern Mallee Alliance is advocating for government investment in a comprehensive, regionally co-ordinated mental-health model for the region.

Leading the charge, Hindmarsh Shire Council will submit a motion to the Municipal Association of Victoria’s October 23 State Council, asking for advocacy for the establishment of a Rural Mental Health and Wellbeing Local, to be supported by a network of satellite services and outreach programs across the Wimmera.

Acting on behalf of the alliance’s other councils – Buloke, Horsham,

Funds shared

Natimuk Brass Band has disbanded after 124 years and has chosen to distribute its money to several of the town’s clubs and groups.

Declining member numbers and increasing members’ ages contributed to the decision to cease, band president and tuba player Bob White said.

“It’s very sad – time has caught up with us all,” he said.

“We have five or six members left.

Travelling is a problem now, there’s too much traffic on the highway for people of our age to be travelling at 10.30 at night.”

A Natimuk band member since 1987, Mr White started playing music at the age of 10 and for the past 35 years has been the band’s master. He is also a life member of Horsham Rural City Band.

Secretary Brian Lewis, who has also played in bands for 72 years, started in Beaufort when he was 15.

“We’ve had great times here,” Mr Lewis said.

“We’ve got a great community behind us – it’s sad to go.”

Life member Charlie McCuish has also ‘been around for a while’. Natimuk born and bred, he joined the band in 1952 at the age of 15.

The band’s instruments and hall have been sold; the hall was originally the fire station – the band paid £175 for it in 1956.

The sign describing the hall’s history will be handed to the Arapiles Historical Society.

The band distributed its money at a function on Thursday to: Natimuk Age Care Friends and Relatives, $10,000; Natimuk Agricultural and Pastoral Society $4000; Natimuk Bowling Club $6000; Natimuk Fire Brigade $6000; Arapiles Historical Society $6000; Natimuk RSL $6000; and Natimuk Lions Club $6000.

Northern Grampians, West Wimmera, and Yarriambiack – Hindmarsh chief

executive Monica Revell and deputy mayor Rosie Barker met with Member for Lowan Emma Kealy on July 24 in the hope of an election commitment.

Cr Barker said mental health had a significant impact on society.

“We have double the suicide rate of the average in Victoria – we really need support in our regions,” she said.

“This motion is based purely upon what was already offered and has been put out to the rest of Victoria as a result of the royal commission into mental health in Victoria.”

Ms Revell said all other regions had established mental-health services.

“It was quite interesting to hear that we are the only region that doesn’t have a mental health local,” she said.

“Cr Barker and I also met with the acting chief executive of West Wimmera Health Service to talk through the advocacy that we’re undertaking, so we can work together.

“We are also looking at setting up meetings with other federal ministers, and local upper house members for Western Victoria, just to talk through our advocacy around mental health.

“We have asked the neighbouring chief executives to have the conversations with their local health services, but certainly the conversation from West Wimmera Health Service was that they will raise this among their

health network as well and assist us with advocacy at every opportunity.”

Ms Revell said Wimmera and southern Mallee residents were expected to travel significant distances for mental-health treatment.

“To know that 500 people from our communities in the Wimmera and southern Mallee area are being told that they need to go to Ballarat, then onto Melbourne and Geelong – for a lot of people, that’s just unobtainable,” she said.

Cr Tony Clark, who works in the emergency services sector, said he had assisted people in need of mental-health support.

“I think I can qualify myself in saying I have very substantial experience

Artist sells paintings to fund surgery

Horsham artist Keisha Rosbrook is selling her art to fund a trip to Sydney for vital spine surgery.

Ms Rosbrook, whose most known piece to date was inspired by the January Grass Flat fire, enjoyed art as a child.

She rediscovered her talent at the age of 21, when she was diagnosed with two rare medical conditions that generally confined her to a wheelchair.

“I’ve got this thing called a syrinx, it’s a little cyst in my body that is actually blocking my fluid from the brain and spine, and they’ve got to remove that,” she said.

“They said there’s a 50 per cent chance that everything will go well, and I’ll be walking again in no time.

“Or it could be crutches and wheelchair, the rest of my life, because

with this condition, I’m going paralysed.”

Ms Rosbrook said she started painting to keep her mind active as she lost physical mobility.

“I started with the paint by numbers, but then as I came along, I started doing my own designs,” she said.

“I like a mixture themes, whatever I feel drawn to, but I really do like black and white. I like to paint with oil, I can use other paints, but I prefer oil.”

Ms Rosbrook paints at home and at Horsham’s Community Inclusion, and has exhibited her work at Horsham and Natimuk agricultural shows.

“If I can’t go out, then I just do it at home, I listen to some music, and because we’ve got dogs at home, my little doggy will actually come up and lay in a little bed beside me,”

she said. “Sometimes I can just paint for maybe 30 minutes to an hour, but sometimes I do at least three to four hours, depending on how I feel.”

Ms Rosbrook will spend four to five days in Sydney, and depending on recovery, will return to Melbourne for rehabilitation.

“They were going to do it in Melbourne, but the cyst has doubled in size so I had to find another surgeon that was willing to do it,” she said.

“It’s not covered by NDIS or by any sort of medical help, I have do it on my own.”

Ms Rosbrook will list about 10 paintings, priced from $150 to $200 each in the hope of raising about $1000, through the app Whatnot and Horsham buy, swap, sell pages.

– Bronwyn Hastings

in dealing with mental health, mainly when it reaches crisis,” he said.

“I don’t think in any one of those matters I’ve ever dealt with, I have found those persons have had any substantial, or have had very little, support.

“I think to get some mental health support out here in our region, and therefore be able to prevent any person reaching that crisis, would just be absolutely brilliant.

“We need to get it done.”

People needing support can call 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732; Lifeline – 13 11 14; Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800; or Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636.

Natimuk club valued facility

From page 1

With initial cost estimates deemed as too high to be funded, the scope of the rebuild was modified to align with the club’s expectations and likely grant funding.

The initial floor-plan area was reduced from 347 m2 to 236 m2, with the club suggesting the reduction in the changerooms and other areas to accommodate a smaller, more affordable building.

Council will assist through project management skills but will not contribute financially to the project as the facility is community owned and managed, and not a council asset.

Cr Angela Munn, who moved the motion at last week’s council meeting, said the funding application for the LSIF grant was only open to councils to apply.

“As this funding is only available through local government, council support enables the club to access the opportunity,” she said.

“And following the impact of the Grass Flat fire, it provides an important opportunity to support the recovery of a valued community facility in one of our smaller towns.”

Cr Rebecca Sluggett said the project was a good example of council working with community groups to improve the outcomes by drawing on a different funding stream together.

“It is pleasing to see the design not only replaces the past building, but takes the opportunity to improve on what was there prior to the fire by changing the building’s location,” she said.

The new clubrooms will be located on the west end of the green, with car parking behind it to the rear of the Sudholz Street block.

TALENTED: Keisha Rosbrook is selling her paintings to raise money for a trip to Sydney for medical treatment.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Are your kids living in a world revolving around their passions? That’s a good thing.

It’s why the VCE’s new Vocational Major creates worlds where passions can be explored.

From agriculture to construction, health to renewable energy. Whatever world our kids are into, there’s a VCE program to help develop the skills they’ll need to land a job in Australia’s most in-demand industries.

Recommendations ‘needed today’

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Reported findings and recommendations of a Parliament of Victoria inquiry into the 2026 summer fires across Victoria have been met with mixed responses from stakeholders statewide.

The report’s first finding recognised the short, inhibitive timeframe of the inquiry; its 92 other findings and 80 recommendations mention failed communications, roadside vegetation management, private firefighting units, declining CFA volunteer numbers, and ageing CFA resources.

In a six-month process, the Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee heard from stakeholders of five major fires.

Topics included preparation and planning, causes and circumstances, emergency response and control, impacts on community and environment, and lessons learned.

Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee chair Michael Galea, in his foreword of the report, said Victoria entered the 2026 fire season with a clear understating of the heightened risk in conditions.

He attributed the strong firefighting response to lessons learnt from the Black Saturday fires, and the preparedness of fire agencies and communities.

“Considering the conditions, it is remarkable we did not see mass fatalities as was seen in 2009,” he said.

More than 440,000 hectares of land burned across Victoria – an area larger than that affected by the 2009 Black Saturday fires – 451 homes were destroyed, 1110 outbuildings lost, an estimated 45,000 livestock deaths were recorded, an incalculable loss of wildlife, and the death of one individual.

“At the time of this inquiry, fire agencies were conducting their own reviews, as is customary after such a large fire event,” Mr Galea wrote.

Grass Flat’s two-day fire started on January 9 near Telfers Road, 25 kilometres east of Horsham. The State Government determined an electrical fault the cause.

In catastrophic conditions, the fire travelled towards Natimuk and Quantong – 11.7 kilometres in the first hour, West Wimmera Action Group’s submission described.

It ultimately destroyed 17 houses and significantly impacted businesses, farmland, agricultural infrastructure and community assets.

CFA chief Jason Heffernan said volunteer firefighters’ contributions to both the parliamentary inquiry and CFA’s 2025-26 post-season debrief program report would be used to better-equip the organisation for the next fire season.

“Key strengths and themes of the internal report were strong leadership of brigades across the state, and effective use of local knowledge where it was needed,” he said.

“We are also integrating these sea-

Eisteddfod fostering talent

Horsham’s Wimmera Music Eisteddfod has this year announced Ebony Hart and Joseph Shepherd its two major winners.

Hart won the Alex Rathgeber Vocal Championship while Shepherd won the Ann Adler Memorial piano event.

Zara Nichols and Moo Soe Pearl were awarded the most promising students in the respective categories.

The event was staged across three days and two venues last week, with the largest number of entries in recent years.

Eisteddfod patron Alex Rathgeber said it was an honour to be at the eisteddfod.

“It’s always so special to come back to this event – which is so well put together – to see everyone fully committing to their music and their performances,” he said.

“We had a couple of monologues, which was great, there was the championship vocal section where the competitors had to do three different songs

in contrasting styles, and everyone was so fully committed, and the crowd was right with them.

“It’s always great to see people enjoying themselves on stage – you want to get up there and feel like you are entertaining the crowd, after all, it is entertainment.”

Rathgeber said eisteddfods were ‘critical’ in fostering talent.

“It’s invaluable experience for people to get up in front of a crowd and to have something to aim for, a reason to practise, so that by the time you get here, you’ve done weeks, probably months of practise, and to get up there and have that opportunity to perform in front of people and to feel the support,” he said.

“Everyone in the crowd is sitting out there, wishing the best for whoever’s up there.

“It brings out the best in people, and if you make a little mistake or something, that’s all part of the learning.”

sonal learnings into training, briefings and exercises.”

The Nationals Leader and Emergency Services shadow minister Danny O’Brien said the report was a ‘damning indictment’ of Labor’s stewardship and lack of transparency around Victoria’s fire services.

“The Carroll Labor government must respond to all 80 recommendations of the committee immediately rather than hide behind a six-month deadline that stretches past November’s election and into the next bushfire season,” he said.

“The committee couldn’t even get a straight answer on the CFA’s own readiness attestation. If the government is confident in how prepared the CFA was, why won’t it say what the qualifications in that attestation actually were?

“This report should embarrass the Labor government. A 26 per cent drop in CFA volunteers in 10 years should set off alarm bells in every regional community in this state. Instead, Labor cut funding and hid the truth.”

Capable volunteers

Mr Heffernan said CFA maintained one of the largest and most capable volunteer emergency workforces in Australia.

“Volunteer numbers have remained stable and strong in recent years –CFA has more than 52,400 volunteers, with more than 29,100 of them operational firefighters,” he said.

“It is common for volunteer numbers to fluctuate over time for a variety of reasons. CFA continues to attract new volunteers in significant numbers – over the last seven months, more than 1550 Victorians have joined their local brigade.”

In a statement issued on behalf of the CFA board and CFA chief executive Greg Leach, claims funding to CFA had been cut and volunteers and brigades were not prepared for the current fire season were disputed.

“The CFA budget has in fact increased year on year since Fire Services Reform in 2020, including an additional $20.3-million this financial year,” it read.

“In addition, on advice from the chief officer, the board sought from government additional funds to heighten readiness and community preparedness in the face of the challenging fire season.”

The result was an additional $11.6-million of supplementary funding for strategic bulk water supply and a statewide community engagement and awareness campaign; ‘Get Fire Ready’.

Victorian Farmers Federation, VFF, president Ryan Milgate said the inquiry must deliver action, not another report documenting the same failures that farmers have been warning governments about for years.

“Victorian farmers are tired of paying the price for poor public land management and woefully under-re-

sourced emergency services that fail agriculture and regional communities,” he said.

“Every summer, farmers are the ones on the frontline protecting their families, livestock, neighbours and communities. We continue to bear the brunt of decisions made from Spring Street and worst all of, we are left to pick up the pieces long after the fires are put out.

“The government has been told what needs to change and these recommendations already exist.”

The VFF’s submission to the inquiry reinforced long-standing calls for practical fuel management at the public-private land boundary, greater investment in the CFA and stronger frontline firefighting capability that recognises the unique impacts bushfires have on agricultural businesses.

Mr Milgate said the inquiry should focus on implementing solutions that have already been identified.

“The VFF has been calling for practical reforms for years, including better management of public land fuel loads and stronger support for the CFA that properly recognises the impact of bushfires on farm businesses,” he said.

“Many of those recommendations have already been recognised through previous bushfire reviews. We don’t need another report, we need governments to start delivering and they can start doing that today.”

The government has six months to respond to the report.

Rathgeber said it would be fantastic to celebrate the eisteddfod’s 80th event next year.

“It has been running for 79 years now owing to the efforts of some amazing locals who have put in a huge amount of work to keep it running,” he said.

“It’ll

be fantastic to celebrate the 80th birthday next year – I will be back for that one, pending availability, of course.”

FOCUSSED: Lauren and Edward Jones compete in the open age siblings duet/trio section of the Wimmera Music Eisteddfod.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Volunteer board to drive business

BY LAUREN HENRY

Horsham’s business community has stepped up to lead West Vic Business, with a renewed focus on regional leadership, collaboration and member-driven governance.

At its July 21 annual general meeting, members voted to adopt a business community-led board structure, appointing 13 members to its board.

New chair Glenn Doyle has taken over from Mark Clyne, who will remain on the board.

West Vic Business acknowledged the service and contribution of Mr Clyne, as well as outgoing members Catherine Shirrefs, Andrea Cross and former ambassador Stacey Taig, who finished with the organisation after her paid role came to an end.

The business group was facing a cross-road this year, with members

required to vote to either wind up the organisation or change its model to be volunteer-led.

“Myself and a few others did a bit of work around that, and when we spoke to the business community, there was a clear message that continuing the group was viewed as being worthwhile,” Mr Doyle said.

“It really is a strong endorsement of the work that Andrea, Stacey, Catherine and Mark were doing – they were really a driving force, and coming out of COVID was a pretty challenging time.”

The 13 board members include a broad cross-section of business experience, ensuring strong representation across the Wimmera.

Chair Glenn Doyle, Sylvania Park; vice-chair Vanessa O’Loughlin, Wimmera Southern Mallee Local Learning and Employment Network, LLEN; secretary Rowena Doyle, Sylvania

Park; acting treasurer Glenn Ryan, River End Apartments; Craig Klemm, Build Pro; Matt Coutts, Laser Electrical; Stuart Hobbs, Total Tools; Chris Jones, Mitre 10; Mark Clyne, Harcourts; Ben Fraser, Wimmera MailTimes; Wendy Bywaters, Wendy’s Retreat of Nhill; Leanne Watson, Your Finance Angel; and Allison Roberts, Horsham Plaza.

“I really think that number is reflective of the wider business community and the conversations we were able to engage directly with well over 50 per cent of the existing members, and there was some really good feedback about the value the group performed and insight as to what they think the group could and should be doing going into the future,” Mr Doyle said.

He said the board was planning consistent and clear communication with its members to try and reinvigorate the

group, with a focus on networking, collaboration and advocacy.

“For us to be a really healthy and strong business community, the members need to engage,” he said.

“It needs to be a two-way street. If we aren’t doing the right things or we aren’t asking the right questions and getting the right feedback and then steering the right way, then there’s no point having the group.

“We really need the business community to re-engage, to buy in, and to support us, and that means making themselves available when we put things on, that means when we ask questions – providing feedback, they’re the things that make it a twoway street.

“We can be the best commerce group, but without the business community engagement, we won’t go anywhere.

“For us, a clear goal is to re-engage

Iconic painting makes its way home

A painting by renowned artist Eugene von Guerard depicting the view from the top of Mount Arapiles will go under the auctioneer’s hammer in Australia.

The Austrian-born artist who was active in Australia from 1852 to 1882 is described by the National Gallery of Australia as ‘arguably Australia’s, and certainly Victoria’s, most important colonial landscape painter’.

He visited Mount Arapiles in the 1860s, sketching and painting the landscape with his usual meticulous detail, informed by von Geurard’s strong interest in the geography, geology and vegetation.

A von Guerard painting

‘Mount Arapiles towards the Grampians’ turned up in Scotland, and made its way back to Australia to sell for $220,000 at auction to an undisclosed Sydney buyer.

The 1870 painting had not been on public view for 152 years before it was sold.

An image of a second painting

The Mitre Rock and Lake from Mount Arapiles featured in the book Arapiles: A Million Mountains, authored by Natimuk resident and rock-climbing expert Keith Lockwood.

“In the past few weeks, this second Eugene von Guerard painting has also turned up in England, and is now on its way

back to Australia, to be documented and sold,” Mr Lockwood said.

“It’ll probably go for a lot of money, so if there are any rich benefactors out there, I’d love to hear from them.”

Mr Lockwood said he was contacted by von Guerard art expert Ruth Pullen who asked him to locate the site of the painting.

Regional Art Gallery curator Trevor Smith. “So it’ll be wonderful to see the real original and see how much it’s going to sell for,” Mr Lockwood said.

“It is also further enshrining or embellishing the important heritage that exists at Mount Arapiles.

ing depicted The Pharos – a standalone pinnacle named after a rocky crest in Alexandria, Egypt – and Tiptoe Ridge pinnacle, with the Little Desert, Mitre Salt Lake and Mitre Rock in the background.

the membership, increase it and grow it and become a really strong advocate for them.”

The West Vic Business board is having weekly meetings to work on a strategy and planning for the group, with the hope to host its first networking event in spring.

Mr Doyle said with several business projects progressing in the region, businesses were needing to navigate opportunities and sometimes uncertainties.

“At a time like this, a strong, collective business voice is essential,” he said.

“Change and growth has already started to occur with Farm Frites arriving, and there are other significant projects that are possibilities, so having an informed and engaged business community is vitally important for the prosperity of the Wimmera region.”

Change to annual field days

The Wimmera Machinery Field Days committee has announced its Longerenong event will be on March 2 and 3 next year.

Traditionally a three-day agricultural and community event, it was cut to two days this year following heavy rain and site-flooding.

The event, the Wimmera’s biggest, attracts more than 400 exhibitors and about 10,000 people each year.

The non-profit event showcases the latest developments in technology, equipment, machinery, farming practices and services.

He said the image in his book had been reproduced with the permission of former Horsham

“It’s exciting, and it shows what a wonderful place Mount Arapiles is and has been for many, many, many years for all sorts of cultures.”

Mr Lockwood said the paint-

He said anyone who wanted to capture the same view could drive to Arapiles and park at Bluff car park, before walking southeast for about 100 metres along a trail that leads to an outlook as shown in the von Guerard painting.

WONDERFUL TO SEE: Natimuk resident Keith Lockwood with a copy of Eugene von Guerard’s 1874 painting The Mitre Rock and Lake from Mount Arapiles. The original artwork will be sold at auction in Australia this year. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Mining licence extension

Adecision on a mining licence for the proposed Avonbank mineral sands mine at Dooen is likely to be made early next year.

Delays in the approval of a Federal Government process in relation to foreign investment framework has resulted in the State Government body Resources Victoria granting WIM Resource an extension until January 31, 2027.

WIM Resource applied for the mining licence in March, 2025, following State Government approval of the Environment Effects Statement, EES, for the project in 2024.

It was expected the mining li-

cence decision would be made in early 2026.

Resources Victoria has requested information about the status and outcome of the Commonwealth process as that information is relevant to Resources Victoria’s assessment of WIM’s mining licence application.

Horsham Rural City Council and Mine Free Wimmera Farms have been outspoken in their criticism of WIM Resource in the past month after the mining group announced its intention to establish a community reference and coexistence group, as well as a rehabilitation review group for the Avonbank project, which proposes to mine 3426 hectares about 1.3 kilome-

tres north-east of Dooen. WIM Resource projects director Michael Winternitz said the Commonwealth approval process was also underway but was taking longer than originally anticipated.

“This is a common requirement for any major mining projects involving foreign investment, even when majority are Australian owned, such as WIM,” he said.

Mr Winternitz said WIM had provided all the requested information to date and was confident a satisfactory outcome would be reached.

“If the Commonwealth process is completed earlier, WIM will provide the relevant information to Resources Victoria,” he said.

“WIM will continue to progress

every aspect of the Avonbank Project within its control, including project planning, and continuing to engage in an open and transparent manner with landholders, First Nations and a range of local stakeholders.

“WIM will also continue developing community benefit initiatives through the recently announced Avonbank Community Reference and Coexistence Group, so the Avonbank project is well positioned to move forward to deliver benefits to the region, while at the same time coexisting with the agricultural sector for the economic betterment of the region and the state.”

Every answer matters

If you know where you’ll be on Census night, Tuesday 11 August , you can complete the form for your household as soon as you get your instructions. Complete online, on paper or with help from us.

Layla Jeffery

Guard of honour farewells Layla

Family and friends farewelled Layla Jeffery in Donald on Friday, as the 13-year-old’s funeral attracted hundreds of mourners.

Layla was last seen in the early hours of July 4, before her remains were found in bushland west of Byrne Street, Donald, on July 9.

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder and is due to face court next month.

There has been a strong outpouring of emotion from the Donald community in response to Layla’s death, with Buloke Shire Council and police hosting a community meeting to address their concerns.

Last week, hundreds of people from the Donald community gathered to support Layla’s family and friends, as several businesses also closed their doors in respect.

Funeral attendees were asked to wear an item of Hello Kitty clothing or a black hoodie, which were Layla’s favourite clothes, and mourners formed a guard of honour down the main street following the funeral.

Layla’s aunt Kailtyn Cheyene and father Aaron Jeffery paid tribute to Layla at the funeral at Donald Memorial Hall.

“Seeing how much Layla has impacted the lives of everyone who knew her or had the privilege to meet her has been profound,” Ms Cheyene said.

“Layla was a truly spectacular person who would have conquered the world if she hadn’t been taken from us.”

Ms Cheyene said Layla had grown into someone who felt a deep love for her family and friends.

“Some of her friends were talking about her recently and spoke of how she was determined to ensure no one was ever left out or feeling forgotten, and if they were with her, she always made sure they were part of the conversation,” she said.

Ms Cheyene also spoke of Layla’s creative streak, including personalising many items around the house.

“She was also a collector of hobbies, with bedazzling being the most recent, but also beading, making bracelets and drawing, and her love of movies extended across her whole life,” she said.

“There are not enough words in the entire English language or every language combined to adequately describe who Layla was.

“She was both shy and confident in many different ways. Funny, sassy, kind, generous, stylish, sweet, cheeky, loving, and considerate.

“I could go on and on and on, but it would still never be enough words to express the depth of her character or the loss we are all feeling.”

A private cremation followed the funeral on Friday afternoon.

Bike lane change

Horsham Rural City Council will remove two of every three bollards along Natimuk Road bicycle lane as an interim measure.

A range of options will be considered as part of the ongoing work, developed in conjunction with resident representatives.

Council officers plan to meet with the group in coming weeks to progress the discussion.

The Natimuk Road bicycle lane extension between Bennett Road and Hillary Street was delivered to improve active transport connectivity and safety.

Dirt jumpers land site deal

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Horsham Rural City Council

has endorsed the continued use of the Burnt Creek dirt jumps following a successful 12-month trial under its management plan. Issues of safety, maintenance, culture and environment were assessed against the plan, in consultation with Barengi Gadjin Land Council, Wimmera Catchment Management Authority and site users.

The 2025-26 financial year trial confirmed significant cultural heritage and floodplain constraints apply at the site, which limit expansion and modification.

Inspections, maintenance and monitoring processes are estimated to cost about $15,000 each year.

Long-term jump user and advocate Jayden Simpson attended last week’s council meeting, where the jump use was endorsed.

“The 12-month trial was a massive success,” he said.

“I spoke to John Martin after the meeting and said I was glad we had been ticked off – we massively appreciate it.

“I have spoken to Michael Douglas from BGLC about grants worth $25,000 that we can chase; we will start a committee so we can apply for them.

“The ball is rolling. We are also starting a Facebook page so it can flourish into what it needs to be.”

Mayor Brian Klowss said the jumps had given people a free, accessible place to be active for about 30 years.

“This trial has shown the site can continue to operate successfully under

a structured management framework, and I’m pleased council can support its ongoing use into the future,” he said.

“We’re mindful that this site sits within a sensitive cultural and environmental landscape, and we take those obligations seriously.

“At the same time, we know how much this facility means to our young people, and we’re keen to keep exploring options that could support the long-term growth of dirt jump facilities in our municipality.”

Cr Rebecca Sluggett seconded the motion, but said there had been some unauthorised changes during the trial period.

“For the most part, the users of the

Burnt Creek site have been very respectful, and it is clear they love the area and the sport that they enjoy there,” she said.

“There is enormous community benefit in keeping the Burnt Creek jump site.

“I hope the community, who clearly loves the area, continues to work with us and respects that they cannot make unauthorised changes to the jumps, nor at this stage are we able to add new jumps under this plan.

“I believe my fellow councillors are keen to explore the opportunities at the site when we can afford to and within the limitations of the site itself.

“I’d also like to note there are very

few play spaces in that area of Horsham, and if we ever consider an alternate location in the future, I feel they should be as close as possible to the current one.”

Cr Angela Munn said she was ‘really impressed’ the project had been led by the people who used the site.

“I think the result is great – I love the collaboration between the youth, Barengi Gadjin Land Council, Wimmera Catchment Management Authority and us,” she said.

“It’s been a good project to work on, and the organisations and kids involved have done extraordinarily well.”

Public school teachers, principals and education support staff statewide will stop work for a further 24 hours on August 19 if negotiations for better pay, conditions and schools’ funding continue to fail.

Australian Education Union Victorian Branch president Justin Mullaly said it was unacceptable that after more than a year of bargaining, the concerns of AEU members were still not adequately addressed.

“Premier Ben Carroll must answer the question, how can you call Victoria ‘the education state’ when Victoria’s public schools are the lowest funded in the country?” he said.

“How can you call Victoria ‘the education state’ when our teachers, principals and education support staff are overworked and undervalued?

“The answer is you can’t. AEU members will continue our campaign for full funding of our schools until the Carroll Labor government signs a deal with the Federal Government to fully fund Victorian public schools.

“We will continue our campaign for a pay and conditions offer that values and respects the work of AEU members.”

HAPPY DAYS: Burnt Creek long-term jump user and advocate Jayden Simpson with other users at the site on Friday. Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

Tan commemoration at Sawyer Park,

on Vietnam Veterans’ Day, August 18.

Battle of Long Tan 60th anniversary

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

The Wimmera’s Vietnam War veterans are inviting people to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan on Vietnam Veterans’ Day.

An 11am service at Horsham’s Sawyer Park on August 18 will be observed before lunch is served at Horsham RSL.

Veteran Peter Hay said the battle was one of Australia’s most significant.

“The Australians hadn’t been there very long when all this happened, so they weren’t very well prepared for it,” he said.

“I think we lost 60-odd – there were 105 Australians and something like 2500 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese,” he said.

“But they held their own and the enemy withdrew.”

Mr Hay said he toured Vietnam during his 20-year army career from which he emerged as a Major, and along with fellow soldiers was not well-received when returning home.

“When the early battalions came home, they had parades, but I was there in 1970, and that’s when the people were not so happy about it,” he said.

“I think we lost about 521 Australians altogether, and Australia was a bit sick of it by then.

“I was regular army, and we weren’t allowed to wear our uniforms to work after the war because

we weren’t very well received. We were just doing what we were told to do by the government. It’s something a lot of people have never, ever, got over.

“We’ve got folk in our group who just think, ‘what did we do wrong?’ – some people have a different view.”

Mr Hay trained at Duntroon from 1965 to 1968, alongside Kevin O’Brien who wrote the book ‘Long Tan – Memories, Myths and Realities’, and former Victorian Governor General Peter Cosgrove.

“Peter was one of the few who stayed in service, and he did really, really well,” he said.

“He’s a terrific guy, and when he was governor general, every time we had a reunion, we did that at government house, which was good.”

Horsham RSL hosts a Vietnam veterans’ group for the district’s returned soldiers – its 40-odd members enjoying regular walks and activities such as chair yoga – as well as soldiers returned from Malaysia, Cambodia and more recent wars.

“We get together as best we can, but some of us are now getting a little older and finding it much harder,” Mr Hay said.

“But I think most of us enjoyed our time over there and I think the Aussies did very well, as they do in every campaign.

“They’re trying to live up to what happened at Gallipoli, the Anzac experience, and 99.9 per cent of the time, they do.”

Bird flu confirmed in state

Five cases of H5 bird flu have been confirmed near Portland and a further two in Nelson Bay – Victoria’s first cases of the current outbreak.

The disease was first confirmed in a greater crested tern on Thursday last week.

Cases of H5 bird flu, also known as H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza, have already been confirmed in Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia and New South Wales.

There are no detections in poultry in Australia and no signs of mass wildlife deaths.

Overseas, this strain has caused severe disease and high death rates in poultry, wild birds and other wildlife.

Human cases are rare and the virus does not spread easily between people.

There are currently no movement restrictions in place for poultry or bird movement in Victoria.

Victorian Farmers Federation president Ryan Milgate said farmers should review their biosecurity plans and keep a lookout for any unusual illness or unexplained bird deaths, reporting them immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.

“While this detection is concerning, it’s not unexpected and the wider agriculture industry has been undertaking an enormous amount of preparation over the past few months for this very moment,” he said.

“Importantly, this detection is in a wild bird. There has been no spread to commercial poultry

flocks or any agricultural environment at this stage, and the risk to human health remains very low.

“Good biosecurity remains our best defence against the spread of disease. We strongly encourage all livestock producers, not just poultry farmers to review their biosecurity plans, ensure they reflect current risks, and remain alert for any sick or dead birds or unusual signs of disease on or near their property.”

Federal Member for Wannon Dan Tehan has urged residents, farmers and backyard poultry owners to remain vigilant.

Mr Tehan said the confirmation by the CSIRO that H5N1 was spreading among wild birds in southern Australia was a significant development that reinforced the importance of maintaining Australia’s strong biosecurity systems.

“The detection of bird flu in one wild bird in Portland underlines the importance of remaining vigilant, but it is vital people understand there is currently no evidence that H5N1 has entered Australia’s commercial poultry industry or broader agricultural production systems,” he said.

“Wannon is home to a world-class agricultural sector and protecting our food security must remain a national priority.”

People are advised if they see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, do not touch them, record what they see and report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

INVITATION: Vietnam veteran Peter Hay is encouraging Wimmera residents to attend a 60th anniversary Battle of Long

Horsham,

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Farmers and railroading

In a recent advertisement in The Weekly Advertiser, Member for Mallee Anne Webster said farmers and their communities have been recklessly railroaded by the VNI West transmission line project.

VicGrid, which has taken over responsibility for the Victorian section from AEMO from November 1, 2025, says its preferred approach is voluntary agreements with landholders before considering compulsory acquisition.

Affected landholders are concerned about loss of productive farmland. But farming can continue under most transmission lines. The amount of affected land is very small.

They also argue that governments should not be able to impose infrastructure on private land.

But power lines on farming land has been around since the end of World War II and were welcomed by farmers in those days as a sign of progress.

There are also issues with construction impacts, visual amenity and most commonly consultation about routes. I understand their concerns, which must be addressed, but underground cables are too expensive.

Around 40 per cent of the preferred VNI West easement has survey access agreements, representing some 170 properties. This does not look like railroading of farmers and their communities to me.

Statutory compensation is negotiated individually and is intended to fully compensate the landholder under the Land Acquisition Act.

In addition, VNI West offers $46,000 per hectare of transmission easement – pro rata and indexed to inflation. For a typical 100 metre wide ease-

ment that equals about $460,000 per kilometre of line across the property.

Also, the Victorian government offers an annual payment of $8000 per kilometre per year for 25 years, indexed to inflation. Ignoring indexation, this equates to $200,000 per kilometre over 25 years.

Moreover, neighbours who don’t host the line but are significantly affected may get compensation of up to $40,000.

Thus, the compensation package is potentially substantial. This suggests to me that farmers and their communities have not been recklessly railroaded by the VNI West transmission line project.

Robert Blakeley Horsham

Ready to deliver

Life is full of choices. Some might be largely inconsequential in the overall scheme of our lives, while others shape the very fabric of the future we build for ourselves and others and, in turn, the choices and freedoms that might flow – or be taken away – as a result.

At the state election in just under four months, Victorians have a choice that will define our state for the following four years: continue with a tired, out of touch and city-centric Labor government that overtaxes, overspends and puts its own interests ahead of the people it represents; or elect a Nationals and Liberals team who listens and responds to community needs, who can be trusted to manage your tax dollars responsibly, and who will restore hope and the promise of a safe and secure future to our state and all those who call it home.

Since becoming the Member for

Lowan in 2014, I have fought tirelessly for our communities to receive their fair share.

But under Labor, our region and so many others across the state continue to be asked to do more while receiving less.

We know that rural and regional Victoria does a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to driving our state’s economy, accounting for 30 per cent of the state’s exports and almost a quarter of Victoria’s small businesses.

We have also been tasked with hosting most of the infrastructure associated with Victoria’s energy transition such as wind turbines, solar farms and transmission towers.

But just 12 per cent of the state’s new infrastructure funding comes to the regions – despite us representing 25 per cent of the population – and Labor’s insidious taxes, including the Emergency Services and Volunteers Levy, hurt us more than anyone.

Primary producers bear the largest brunt of this mammoth tax, while Labor simultaneously tramples their property rights in its reckless push towards renewable energy.

The emergency services tax is one of 60 new or increased taxes Labor has imposed on Victorians since 2014 to service its $194-billion debt bill and the $21-million a day it pays in interest – money that could be going to our hospitals, schools and roads.

Instead, our roads are crumbling, health services are harder to access, housing availability is more scarce, and crime and cost-of-living pressures continue to rise.

But we can change this. We can choose a government that will instead strengthen our economy to ease cost of living pressures, deliver a health

Council seeks support for Jeparit weir

Hindmarsh Shire Council has submitted an $820,000 funding application to the Federal Government’s Disaster Ready Fund for detailed design and planning to replace Jeparit’s weir. Emergency Management Victoria, Wimmera Catchment Management Authority, and the Wimmera Municipal Emergen-

cy Management Planning Committee backed the application. The project seeks funding to complete detailed designs, technical investigations, approvals, risk assessment, cost estimates, and implementation planning. The application will support a shovel-ready pathway for future construction.

Mayor Ron Ismay said the weir was a critical community asset that had reached the end of its service life.

“Securing funding for detailed design and planning will bring us closer to delivering a longterm solution that improves flood resilience and safeguards the community,” he said.

system everyone can have confidence in, keep communities safe, and give every Victorian the best opportunity to own their own home.

It’s time for a government that gives regional Victorians their voice back and the respect and fair share they deserve.

The Nationals and Liberals stand ready to deliver a fresh start and the government our communities need and deserve.

Emma Kealy Member for Lowan

One Nation unclear

What are Victorians actually voting for?

As the Victorian election approaches, One Nation is asking for your vote.

Before deciding, ask one simple question: what will a One Nation vote in Victoria actually achieve?

Many people are concerned about immigration and believe voting One Nation will reduce it.

Regardless of your views, one important fact should be understood.

Victoria does not control immigration.

The Victorian Parliament cannot decide how many migrants come to Australia, issue visas, grant citizenship or determine who enters the country.

Those powers belong to the Australian Government and the Federal Parliament in Canberra.

If reducing immigration is your main reason for voting One Nation, a vote in the Victorian election will not change Australia’s immigration policy.

The same applies to other wellknown One Nation policies such as border protection and citizenship.

Instead, the Victorian Parliament is

responsible for issues including hospitals, schools, roads, public transport, housing, policing, emergency services and regional development.

Yet One Nation is asking Victorians for their vote without a publicly announced Victorian leader, a published Victorian policy platform or, at this stage, endorsed candidates. Victorians deserve to know what One Nation would actually do if elected.

What are its policies on the issues the Victorian Parliament can influence?

Every political party should be clear about what it can and cannot deliver. Voters deserve to make an informed choice based on facts, not assumptions.

Before voting for One Nation in the Victorian election, ask one simple question: what policies will its Victorian MPs actually be able to implement?

Veronica

Monaghan Stawell

welcomes your letters and contributions.

Please limit them to 250 words and address them to the editor at: LHenry@aceradio.com.au or mail to: The Weekly Advertiser, Letter to the editor, PO Box 606, Horsham 3402.

Your aged care specialists

Richard and Dean

Transforming care

Grampians Health has launched the public phase of its Care Closer to Home Appeal, the largest philanthropic campaign in the organisation’s history.

The appeal has a $15-million target to transform healthcare for communities across western Victoria.

The campaign is built on the belief that where someone lives should not determine the quality of healthcare they can access.

The campaign began quietly four years ago, and has raised $4.1-million towards its first major project, a family accommodation village at Ballarat.

Stage one of the village is now fully funded, with construction expected to start in the coming months.

The purpose-built accommodation will provide an affordable place for families to stay close to loved ones receiving care, helping keep families together when they need each other most.

The campaign now enters its public phase, with a focus on establishing a dedicated clinical research centre at Grampians Health.

Grampians Health chief executive Dale Fraser said the centre would help ensure regional patients had greater access to the latest advances in healthcare without having to leave their communities.

“We know that where someone lives should not determine the quality of healthcare they can access,” he said.

“For too many people across western Victoria, accessing clinical trials and innovative treatments still means travelling long distances away from home and family.

“Grampians Health is already a leader in clinical research, with more than 250 active research studies, including more than 100 clinical trials.

“A dedicated clinical research centre will allow us to build on that expertise, expand opportunities for patients and attract new research and partnerships to our region.

“This is about giving more people the opportunity to access potentially life-changing treatments closer to home.”

Grampians Health currently delivers clinical trials across a broad range of specialties and is one of few regional centres able to deliver Phase I–IV clinical trials.

With demand for clinical trials continuing to grow, existing facilities have reached capacity.

The proposed centre will provide dedicated space to expand research programs, support clinicians and researchers, attract new research opportunities and partnerships, and give more patients across western Victoria the opportunity to participate in clinical trials closer to home.

More than $1.4-million has already been secured to kick-start fundraising for the Clinical Research Centre.

Acting chair of Grampians Health and member of the Volunteer Phil-

anthropic Campaign Committee, Cora Trevarthen, said the campaign represented a shared vision for the future of healthcare across the region.

“This campaign is about much more than bricks and mortar. It is about people,” she said.

“It is about a farmer from Horsham, a young parent from Ararat, a retiree from Stawell, a family from Maryborough, or a patient from Ballarat being able to access world-class care closer to home.

“When we talk about a clinical research centre, we are talking about hope.

“We are giving more people the opportunity to access leading-edge treatments and clinical trials without the financial, physical and emotional burden of travelling long distances.

“This campaign is not just for Ballarat.

“The people who will benefit live right across western Victoria, and the impact of these projects will be felt throughout our region.”

The campaign has been supported by a Volunteer Philanthropic Campaign Committee comprising community leaders who have given their time and resources to champion the appeal.

The campaign’s founding donors include Community Bank Avoca, Maryborough and St Arnaud; Goldacres: The Richards family; Good Friday Appeal; and the Handbury Foundation, auspiced by ACE Radio owners Judy and Rowly Paterson.

GRATEFUL: Stawell Hospital Foundation Trustees Meg Blake, Brian Hancock and Kevin Erwin with Grampians Health Stawell operating theatre associate nurse unit manager Kristi Bohner and the new Optiflow high-flow system.

Foundation delivers for Stawell

Stawell Hospital Foundation’s $70,000 donation has enabled Grampians Health Stawell to buy vital equipment, including a second Optiflow high-flow system.

Giving both operating theatres access to the system, it gives patients respiratory assistance during surgery and recovery.

Stawell perioperative nurse unit manager Sally Hamilton said the purchase was one of many supported by the foundation.

“Optiflow high-flow provides warmed and humidified oxygen therapy, helping to support patients through a range of surgical scenarios including during anaesthesia and recovery,” she said.

“Stawell Hospital Foundation has supported many improvements to our theatre services, allowing us to continue investing in specialised equipment that enhances patient care and helps our clinicians deliver services locally.”

Trustee Brian Hancock said the foundation was pleased to support equipment

that strengthened the capability of the operating suite and enhanced patient care.

“Investing in specialised equipment that supports our clinical teams is an important part of the foundation’s work,” he said.

“We are proud to continue supporting initiatives that make a meaningful difference to local healthcare and we encourage our community to donate to the Foundation so we can continue supporting the Stawell campus.”

Since the committee formed in 1989, the Stawell Hospital Foundation has donated almost $1.5-million to support Grampians Health Stawell and residential services.

Grampians Health chief people officer Claire Woods praised the Stawell Hospital Foundation for its ongoing support.

“We are continuing to bring care closer to home in Stawell and we will keep ensuring every dollar raised in the Stawell community is invested in improving that local care,” she said.

New health chief

Ashley Ubrihien is Rural Northwest Health’s new chief executive, set to commence his role in October.

Currently Centacare Kimberley’s chief executive, Mr Ubrihien has more than 20 years experience across health, aged care and community services in public and private sectors, and a background in strategic leadership, operations and stakeholder engagement.

His previous roles include senior hospital and aged care leadership across regional and remote Australia.

Mr Ubrihien holds a Master of Public Health and is completing a Doctor of Philosophy in business management.

RNH board chair John Aitken said Mr Ubrihien was an outstanding appointment for the health service and the communities it serves.

“Ashley is a highly capable and respected leader who brings a powerful combination of strategic insight, executive experience and a genuine commitment to people and to rural communities,” he said.

“He has led successfully in large and complex organisations, including across health, aged care and community services, and the board is confident he is the right person to lead RNH into its next chapter and to build on the momentum already underway.”

Mr Ubrihien said he was pleased to be joining RNH at an important time for the organisation and the region.

“It is a great honour to be appointed as the next CEO of Rural Health Northwest,” he said.

“Having grown up in a dairy farming community in southern New South Wales, I have a deep and enduring connection to regional communities.

“This role provides a meaningful opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to supporting world-class health care for the communities Rural Northwest Health serves.

“Over the coming months, I look forward to working closely with the RHN board, staff, volunteers and communities to better understand

local health priorities and how the organisation can continue to respond to community needs.”

Dr Aitken paid tribute to Lois O’Callaghan for her leadership as interim chief executive.

“Lois has done an outstanding job since taking on the role in February. She has brought stability and steady leadership through an important period for RNH, kept the organisation focused, and supported our people every step of the way,” he said.

“On behalf of the board, I want to thank Lois for everything she has done. She leaves RNH in a strong position, and we are deeply grateful for her contribution.”

Ms O’Callaghan said it had been a privilege to serve as interim chief executive.

“I have valued the chance to lead RNH and to work alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers and partners, and to connect with communities right across the region,” she said.

“It is that community spirit and volunteerism that make RNH special, and I have every confidence the organisation will go from strength to strength under Ashley’s leadership.”

Mr Aitken said Ms O’Callaghan and Mr Ubrihien would work together to ensure continuity for staff, patients, residents and the community.

Inspiring the next generation

Children’s Let’s Dance ballet experience, designed to inspire the next generation of dancers and arts enthusiasts, ran in tandem with Australian Ballet’s Horsham performance last week.

The program offered dance school students a workshop with ballet repetiteur Paul Knobloch, and the opportunity to observe rehearsals before watching the main show.

“The Let’s Dance program travels alongside the Australian Ballet national tour and teaches the fundamentals of classical ballet,” he said.

“We’re really hoping to inspire the next generation of young dancers, and not only that, theatregoers.

“We’re really hoping to open up avenues and make dance more accessible to everybody, no matter where they’re from, especially if they can’t get to the big cities like Sydney and Melbourne to come and see these elite companies, such as the Australian Ballet.

“The fact we can inspire and ignite that little

spark in someone, no matter where they are in Australia, is really rewarding.”

Avenue Dance Studio owner Lou Ryan works alongside former Horsham School of Dance owner Karen Booker; the two respectively taught several students who have progressed into performing arts careers.

Among the hundreds of students across four decades are Alex Rathgeber, Michael Sherry, Liam Robertson, Grace O’Donnell-Clancy and Sienna Walsgott.

Ms Booker said some of the students in last week’s class were new to ballet.

“They’re trying something new, and hopefully, they’ll learn to love it and maybe join a ballet class,” she said.

“The kids come out, and they’re smiling, they’ve had such a good time. It’s wonderful.”

The performance and workshop will continue to Mildura, Adelaide, Darwin and Alice Springs.

Ashley Ubrihien

WORKSHOP: Australian Ballet repetiteur Paul Knoblock with Avenue Dance Studio students, from left, Olivia Tan, Erin Fajardo, Bessie Latus, Malia Oakley, Lexi King, Luca Mibus, Billie Hair, Claire Wallace, Zoe Emmerson and Edie Mibus. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Northern Grampians Shire Council COMMUNITY UPDATES

ADVOCACY PROSPECTUS 2026 RELEASED

Council has released its Advocacy Prospectus 2026, which outlines where the organisation will focus its advocacy efforts to state and federal governments, particularly in the lead-up to November’s State Election. The document is designed to ensure a relevant, targeted and coordinated approach to advocacy and contains 19 priorities across three categories: Lead, partner and support. The prospectus delves into each priority, showing what it involves, why it is needed and how much money council is asking for to complete it. Priorities include Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre redevelopment, an extension of a key walking and cycling path in Halls Gap, netball and athletic upgrades, and additional funds for emergency resilience and youth support. Review the prospectus by scanning the QR code above.

NOTICES INCLUDE WASTE COST INCREASES

As council issues rates notices for the 2026/27 financial year, residents will notice a 17 per cent increase in waste charges to cover a rise in kerbside bin collection costs, including fuel, labour and equipment expenses. The 2026/27 annual service charges are as follows: Kerbside garbage collection services, $371 (increasing by $86); additional kerbside garbage collection services, $169 (increasing by $5); recycling –kerbside recycling collection services, $194; (decreasing by $1); FOGO collection services, $67 (increasing by $15 for St Arnaud residents, as it is the only township in the shire to currently have a FOGO service). Waste charges will unfortunately continue to rise in the following three budgets. To read the full media release on waste charges, scan the QR code.

OPPORTUNITIES TO WORK FOR COUNCIL AGED CARE SERVICES TO TRANSITION

Are you an experienced diesel mechanic looking for a senior position with job security and guaranteed work-life balance? Council is looking for a full-time Supervisor Plant and Mechanic Workshop. This position involves managing council's daily operations at our St Arnaud workshop and is important for the smooth operation of day-to-day depot operations and strategic infrastructure projects. Applications close this Sunday. Council is also looking to fill Manager Governance and Manager Community Growth and Prosperity positions. For more information, scan the QR code.

Council will advocate for aged care services in the municipality to be transitioned to local service providers, following a decision made to withdraw from providing community care services. The decision was made in closed council at the July 7 council meeting in Stawell. Councillors discussed officer recommendations during closed council before reaching a decision. The announcement comes after council's formal review of aged care services following Federal Government changes to the way aged care services are funded and delivered.

Next council meeting: The council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 4 has been cancelled, with all items intended for consideration to be considered at the scheduled meeting on Tuesday, September 1 in Stawell. There is an unscheduled council meeting on Tuesday, August 11 in the Perry Room, St Arnaud Town Hall at 12.30pm . The meeting is to consider a proposed service station in Longfield Street, Stawell. Both meetings are open to the public and will be livestreamed via our YouTube channel. The agendas will be available on our website.

Money sought for aerodrome

Horsham Rural City Council will apply for a Federal Government grant to help pay for a $535,000 lighting upgrade at Horsham Aerodrome.

Council will contribute $268,000 to the project and seek remaining funds from the government’s Regional Airports Program.

In infrastructure director John Martin’s report, he noted the runway edge lights at Horsham Aerodrome were ageing, and it was no longer possible to get spare parts as the model of lights being used was no longer in production.

“Regulations regarding lighting are quite stringent, requiring a consistent pattern, colour and intensity for all lights on a runway, to ensure safe operations. It is not possible to swap individual lights to a different type,” he wrote.

“Staff have been very innovative in repairing damaged lights, and have been able to keep the lighting system going, but barely.

“Further, the incandescent lights currently being used tend to be less reliable, often requiring staff to re-seat them in their holders as they can be impacted by atmospheric conditions.”

At last week’s council meeting, Cr Cameron McDonald moved the motion for council to endorse the submission of application for upgrading the lighting on the east-west runway at Horsham Aerodrome.

Cr McDonald said it was a very important safety upgrade for Horsham airport, which has not been upgraded since

2021.

“This is basically going to replace what is very old high-voltage cabling, which is presenting serious maintenance issues,” he said.

“This upgrade is also important for the medi-vac capability of the airstrip ... often it does require night-time operations.”

Cr Angela Munn said the aerodrome’s ageing lighting system meant replacement parts were scarce.

“It not only enables us to modernise the lighting system, it enables us to transition to LED lighting, which will lower energy consumption while, among other things, support safe operation of emergency and general aviation,” she said.

“This infrastructure update helps to ensure the aerodrome remains compliant, and I think it’s a project that is really well worth pursuing.”

Mr Martin reported the lights on the main, east-west runway were ‘quite old’ – their age is uncertain.

“Lights on the secondary, north-south runway are still serviceable, as they were only installed when the runway was sealed in 2011,” his report read.

“It is proposed to install new LED runway edge lighting and conduits to replace the existing lighting, which is at the end of its life.”

Council’s 2026 State Election advocacy document identifies urgent upgrades that are required at Horsham Aerodrome, including apron strengthening and runway lighting.

SUPPORTERS: Blue Ribbon Foundation Horsham’s ‘crime night team’ with guests, Inspector Nick Allwood, left, and Senior Sergeant Barry Gray.

Crime night affirms purchase

The Blue Ribbon Foundation Horsham raised $14,000 through its annual Inside Story true crime night last week.

The event, at Horsham Church of Christ on Wednesday, attracted a crowd of 350 guests to listen to Inspector Nick Allwood and Senior Sergeant Barry Gray.

The police officers shared a behind-the-scenes look and details of the investigation into two no-

table crimes – the first involving drug-trafficking while the second story featured a murder case related to two notorious Melbourne-based Middle Eastern crime families.

Money raised on the night will go towards the branch’s next initiative of purchasing equipment for Grampians Health’s Horsham hospital.

Blue Ribbon Foundation Horsham president Paul Margetts said

ticket sales – boosted this year by hosting the event at a larger venue – as well as raffles and donations helped contribute to the amount raised.

“We are about to pay for our share of the Sonosite ultrasound we are buying for the hospital in a joint project with Wimmera Health Care Group Foundation and we are ready for a new project to fund,” he said.

Council approves Nhill, Rainbow show days

Hindmarsh Shire Council’s request to substitute this year’s Melbourne Cup public holiday for Nhill and Rainbow show days has been approved.

A full day public holiday has been declared in the township of Rainbow and the localities of Kenmare and Albacutya for the Rainbow Show on Tuesday, October 13.

In the township of Nhill and the localities of Little Desert, Gerang Gerung, Kiata, Glenlee, Netherby, Lorquon, Yanac, and Broughton, the public holiday is Thursday, October 15.

The remaining areas within the shire will observe a full day public holiday on Melbourne Cup Day, Tuesday, November 3.

The Dimboola Show will also be held on Saturday, October 17, and the Jeparit Show on Sunday, October 18.

RENTAL PROVIDERS:

Ron one of many valued volunteers

Welcome to the third article in our series celebrating 150 years of the Horsham Agricultural Society.

Throughout this series, we’re exploring the people, milestones and stories that have shaped the society over the past 150 years.

Long before he became one of the society’s most dedicated volunteers, a young Ronnie Bennett was simply another country boy eagerly awaiting the annual Horsham Show.

Born in 1930, one of Ron’s earliest memories is standing with friends, peeking beneath the walls of the old boxing tent, hoping to catch a glimpse of the action inside.

Like many children growing up around Horsham, the show was the highlight of the year.

Little could that young boy from Green Park have imagined his childhood fascination would grow into more than 60 years of service.

Ron’s journey began when he started exhibiting dogs at the Horsham Show in 1963.

Following the resignation of Alf Mitchell from the society’s council, Ron was invited to stand for election, becoming the representative for the Horsham Kennel Club in the late 1970s.

Working alongside volunteers from the Horsham Kennel Club, Ron helped transform a low-lying area at the eastern end of Maydale Reserve into a championship-standard dog complex.

Horsham council filled the swampy site before volunteers levelled the ground, spread sand, sowed grass and erected fencing, creating facilities that served exhibitors for decades.

Although the Horsham Kennel Club fold-

Horsham Ag Society 150 YEARS

by Andrea Cross

ed several years ago, the legacy of those volunteers can still be seen today.

Despite his contribution, Ron has never sought recognition.

In 2006, the society acknowledged his outstanding service by awarding him life membership.

Instead, he remembers the people. He speaks fondly of volunteers including Fred Blake and Peter Langlands, recalling their willingness to roll up their sleeves and get the job done.

Working bees were essential in preparing the grounds for the annual show, and still are.

Ron also became well known for mowing at the showground.

He retired just three years ago but still enjoys catching up with fellow life members each Tuesday at the workshop smoko, where great stories continue to keep the society’s history alive.

As the Horsham Agricultural Society celebrates 150 years, Ron’s story reminds us that the society’s legacy has been built by volunteers who have quietly turned up year after year.

Their dedication has created a place where generations of families have come together to enjoy the Horsham Show and the numerous associated events and festivals that now take place at Maydale Reserve.

HOSTS: Event co-ordinators

Jake Romein and Caroline Hamilton, from East Grampians Health Service, during the Western Victoria Allied Health Assistant Network and Professional Development Event.

Allied health networking opportunity

East Grampians Health Service hosted the Western Victoria Allied Health Assistant Network and Professional Development Event in Ararat.

The event brought together allied health assistants for a day of networking, shared learning and professional development.

Allied health assistants are part of the healthcare workforce, working alongside allied health professionals to help people maintain their independence, improve their health and wellbeing, and achieve their rehabilitation goals.

Working across hospitals, community health and aged care settings, they play an important role in supporting positive patient outcomes and improving access to care, particularly in rural and regional communities.

Allied health assistants attended from East Grampians Health Service, Grampians Health, Rural Northwest Health, West Wim-

mera Health Service, Western District Health Service, Beaufort and Skipton Health Service, East Wimmera Health Service, Central Highlands Rural Health, and Maryborough District Health Service.

The day highlighted the important role allied health assistants play in supporting patients, allied health professionals and rural health services.

Attendees participated in practical professional development sessions across areas including mental health, diabetes first aid, gait aids, speech pathology, occupational therapy and podiatry.

Guest speaker Lorimer Moseley presented an ‘Explain Pain’ session and provided an overview of current understandings of pain.

Professor Moseley also outlined his current project focused on raising awareness of chronic pain. Attendees were encouraged to visit the project website, which is designed for people experi-

encing pain, friends and family of people with chronic pain, and health professionals. The website can be found at www.rethink pain.org.au.

EGHS clinical allied health educator Jake Romein presented on allied health career pathways and a western Victoria ‘grow your own’ workforce strategy, focusing on how local people could be supported to study, train, work and progress in allied health careers locally.

“EGHS was pleased to host the event and support continued collaboration between allied health assistants and health services across Western Victoria,” Mr Romein said.

“The day reinforced the value of investing in allied health assistants as a critical part of the rural health workforce, while providing an opportunity for services to connect, share ideas and discuss the future direction of the regional AHA network.”

School sites waiting

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Arecent Victorian Auditor-General’s Office, VAGO, report has thrown a spotlight on the condition of Wimmera, Grampians and Mallee public schools, with data showing their facilities lag behind the statewide average.

Last month the VAGO released a report investigating how the Victorian School Building Authority delivers school-upgrade projects.

The report found of 1594 government schools across Victoria, 499 were rated in good condition at last inspection, 729 were in worn condition, 338 were in poor condition and 28 had no condition assessment on record.

However, the condition of government schools across rural and regional western Victoria was markedly worse on average.

Of the 50 schools across the Horsham, Ararat, Northern Grampians, Hindmarsh, West Wimmera, Yarriambiack and Buloke council areas, five were rated in good condition, 17 were rated worn and 28 were deemed poor.

The figures mean only 10 per cent of public schools from the region are in good condition, compared to a statewide average of nearly 32 per cent.

Conversely, the percentage of public schools from the region in a poor condition was 56 per cent, compared to a Victorian average of 21.6 per cent.

Yarriambiack Shire performed best in the report, with three govern-

“One flagship rebuild does not fix a whole shire, and the rest of West Wimmera’s schools have been left waiting”

– Aleta Moriarty

ment schools considered in a good condition – Warracknabeal Primary School, Warracknabeal Secondary College and Warracknabeal Special Developmental School.

But independent candidate for Western Victoria Aleta Moriarty highlighted the state of public schools in West Wimmera Shire, where three – Edenhope College, Goroke P-12 College and Kaniva College – were rated in poor condition, while Apsley Primary School was deemed worn.

“It has become clear just how far behind schools in western Victoria really are, and it’s time to demand more for our kids,” she said.

Ms Moriary said while state schools in West Wimmera Shire had received $42,424 per enrolled student in state capital works since 2017-18 – well above a statewide average of $8778 – the figure was driven by a single project.

“One flagship rebuild does not fix a whole shire, and the rest of West Wimmera’s schools have been left waiting,” she said.

“One-off projects can’t paper over a system that’s stretched too thin everywhere.

“Smaller schools – with less funding to plug the gap and less access to specialist teachers and facilities – are falling further behind regard-

less of where a single big project happens to land.”

Last month Member for Mildura Jade Benham visited Beulah Primary School – for which data was unavailable on the VAGO website – noting the dilapidated appearance of the school’s main building.

Beulah Primary School, along with Apsley Primary School, received money in the VSBA’s latest round of school maintenance funding, also announced last month.

Beulah Primary School will receive $740,718.41, while Apsley Primary School will get $626,079.36.

The money was part of a four-year $446.5-million package for school maintenance and repairs announced by the government in the 2026-27 budget.

Then Education Minister Ben Carroll said the government’s planned maintenance program had provided nearly $50-million for upkeep projects at 103 schools across Victoria this year.

“These projects are about supporting growing communities and ensuring every child has access to a high-quality learning environment,” he said.

“While Labor is upgrading schools, the Liberals are planning cuts that put projects like these at risk.”

People can view the VAGO’s ‘Delivering School Upgrade Projects’ report, including an interactive map showing the condition of schools across Victoria, online at www.audit.vic.gov.au/report/ delivering-school-upgrade-projects.

‘Name Our Rubbish Rigs’

All seven of Horsham Rural City Council’s rubbish trucks now have names, thanks to a ‘Name Our Rubbish Rigs’ competition.

The program invited young people from across the municipality to add some personality to council’s rubbish trucks, with name suggestions and votes received by council’s youth services team, as well as through schools and other youth networks.

Many pop-culture references, clever alliterations and terrible puns were received, with the following names selected: Garbage Guzzler; Optimus Grime; The Bin Bandit; Trash-o-saurus; Peppa Rig; Truck Norris; and Bin Diesel.

THE CLUB THE WAY YOU LIKE IT

“It’s been terrific to see the enthusiasm shown by our younger residents through the name Our Rubbish Rigs Program,” Mayor Brian Klowss said.

“It’s a fun initiative that has given young people an opportunity to engage with council while adding a little extra personality to an important community service.”

Seven lucky voters received $50 vouchers from a random prize draw, drawn by Cr Klowss, youth mayor Cassara Rowan and youth council deputy mayor Minha Rahman.

Name plates will be added to the trucks at a later date.

– Jeparit & District Historical Society –

Jeparit and District Historical Society will use a $1000 grant from Horsham Sports and Community Club to buy archive material.

Historian Craige Proctor said storage is essential for any historical society.

“All historical societies are similar in the sense that we deal with thousands of photographs,” he said.

“They can be very old photographs, or they can be fairly recent photographs, all of which need protection.”

“We also have newspapers that are fragile and very vulnerable to changes in humidity. Applying for the grant was very easy. It was a very straightforward process. I would recommend anyone, any group, not just a sporting group, but any community group, consider applying in the future.”

AND THE WINNERS ARE: Horsham Youth Council mayor Cassara Rowan, left, deputy youth mayor Minha Rahman and Horsham Rural City Council Mayor Brian Klowss draw winners in a Name Our Rubbish Rigs voting competition.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Farming for the future at Goroke

Acommunity farm forum at Goroke will feature four guest speakers who will cover livestock production, profitable farming systems, soil health, AI for agriculture and planning for the future of farming businesses.

The free event, hosted by Goroke Agricultural and Pastoral Society in partnership with Janmac Stud, brings together agriculture, innovation and community for what is expected to be an informative and entertaining day.

Leading the speaker line-up is Lachlan McKenzie, founder of McKenzie Ag, who has spent more than 30 years working in ruminant nutrition, feedlot development and livestock production.

Drawing on his experience building one of Victoria’s largest livestock feed businesses alongside a successful 6000-acre mixed farming enterprise, Mr McKenzie will share practical insights into feed systems, livestock production and the growth of his agricultural businesses.

He will also be interviewed by Dwain Duxson of The Farmers Club, in what promises to be an engaging conversation drawing on his extensive experience in Australian agriculture.

Joining him is Ben Glass from Hopkins Ag and Ultra Ag, who will explore how healthy soils, multispecies pastures and biological farming systems are helping producers improve productivity, livestock performance and profitability while building more resilient farming businesses for the future.

Agricultural consultant turned AI specialist Claudia Bryant, founder of Grounded AI, will demonstrate how artificial intelligence is becoming a practical tool for farmers, helping reduce administration, unlock better business insights and save valuable time in day-to-day operations.

Rounding out the speaker program is produc-

“More than anything, it’s a chance to get together, catch up with neighbours and enjoy a great day in our community. We’d love to see plenty of people come along, and don’t be afraid to bring a mate” – Grant Hausler

er and lawyer Claire Booth of CO Booth Law and Advisory, who will deliver ‘a practical and refreshingly honest’ session on succession planning, navigating change across generations and setting farming businesses up for the future.

Event host Grant Hausler said the forum continued to grow each year by bringing together practical information with genuine community connection.

“We’re really excited about the quality and diversity of this year’s speakers,” he said.

“Whether you’re interested in livestock production, improving your farming system, learning about AI or starting conversations about the future of your business, there’s something here for everyone.

“More than anything, it’s a chance to get together, catch up with neighbours and enjoy a great day in our community.

“We’d love to see plenty of people come along, and don’t be afraid to bring a mate.”

Keeping the day flowing will be MC Tara Rich, while magician Waldo the Great will provide entertainment throughout the day.

A light lunch, tea and coffee will be provided, with drinks available to purchase. All proceeds from the day will support the Goroke Community Centre.

The event, on Friday, August 14, starts at 10am at Goroke Community Complex. People are asked to register by August 10 by contacting Mr Hausler on 0427 861 013.

Blood pathology trial at Hopetoun

Rural Northwest Health has introduced dedicated blood pathology days at Hopetoun Urgent Care Centre, offering blood pathology services every Thursday between 9am and noon.

Rural Northwest Health’s clinical services executive manager Joseph Bermudo said the initiative was designed to improve care and access to Hopetoun Urgent Care Centre’s critical services, forming part of RNH’s commitment to providing timely and appropriate care to the communities and ensuring patients received the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

“As part of our commitment to continuously improving the services we offer our local community, we recently reviewed presentations to the Hopetoun Urgent Care Centre,” he said.

“This review identified an opportunity to better support patients seeking routine blood patholo-

gy, alongside those requiring urgent care. Following this review, we have made the decision to implement a dedicated pathology day to improve the availability of urgent care services for patients requiring critical treatment and to enhance patient flow.”

Sessions have been scheduled to align with the Australian Clinical Labs courier service, which attends Hopetoun on Monday to Friday between 12.30pm and 1pm, supporting timely processing of collected samples.

The service will be trialled over the next three months, with regular reviews undertaken to ensure it is meeting the needs of the community and the service.

People in need of blood pathology services can book in via Rural Northwest Health on 5083 2000.

CREATIVE: Ararat Library hosts Lego Club every Thursday between 4pm and 5pm.

From left, Subhan Rehman, Franklin Hurstfield and Amelia Brunt dive into the Lego collection with Ararat library officer Nick Bassett. The club has been running at Ararat Library since 2022.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Waste charges set to rise ‘for years’

Waste charges are set to increase by 17 per cent for residents in Northern Grampians Shire for the 2026-27 financial year.

Northern Grampians Shire Council had forewarned ratepayers of the increase in kerbside bin collection costs, due to fuel, labour and equipment expenses, and has indicated waste charges will continue to rise over the next three years due to operational costs.

Council will issue rates notices from mid-August, where ratepayers will incur the following 2026-27 annual service charges: kerbside garbage collection services, rising $86 to $371; additional kerbside garbage collection services increasing $5 to $169; and Food Organics and Garden Organics, FOGO, collection services will be $67, an increase of $15, for St Arnaud residents, as it is the only township in the shire to currently have a FOGO service.

Kerbside recycling collection services will decrease $1 to $194.

Mayor Karen Hyslop said the annual waste charges would continue to rise to cover operational cost increases, ongoing uncertainty with the cost of fuel, and the introduction of new government mandated services.

Under the Circular Economy, Waste Reduction and Recycling, Act 2021, councils must provide access to FOGO and glass recycling services by 2027, creating a four-stream system in place of the current two-stream system.

“Unfortunately, there are additional charges coming as we look to meet the government’s mandate to introduce a four-stream waste and recycling system,” Cr Hyslop said.

“Council is very mindful of the increased costs in waste and the knock-on impact on the waste charges.

“For example, council recently joined 38 other Victorian councils to advocate for a review of

“Unfortunately, there are additional charges coming as we look to meet the government’s mandate to introduce a four-stream waste and recycling system”

– Karen Hyslop

the mandated glass recycling service. Given the container deposit scheme, we think the glass service seems an unnecessary burden on ratepayers.

“Many councils throughout the state are also having to significantly increase waste charges to comply with the legislation.”

Cr Hyslop said council’s 2026-27 budget included a $340,000 allocation for the purchase of new bins ahead of the FOGO rollout in 2027.

“Council has decided to implement a staged increase to soften the impact, rather than introducing a full increase in a single financial year,” she said.

At the June council meeting, council adopted a 2026 update to the Waste Management Strategy 2020-30, which sets out how council will manage waste and recycling services across the shire until 2030.

The 2026 revision follows a mid-implementation review of the council’s progress to date and includes changes to service delivery in line with the new state laws and reforms, while weighing up cost and convenience.

Rather than applying a single model across the shire, council will use a combination of kerbside services and public drop-off services.

Cr Hyslop said the introduction of FOGO and glass services would deliver substantial environmental benefits, including reduced landfill, lower greenhouse gas emissions, improved recycling quality, and the reuse of valuable materials.

“These outcomes remain central to council’s sustainability objectives,” she said.

Auxiliary establishes targets

Wimmera Hospice Care Auxiliary’s executive team were voted in at its annual general meeting, where long-standing team member Joy Smith stepped down from the group.

President Lesley Lane gave her report, thanking her team for the years’ work and attendance. All positions for the executive team were made vacant with the following members being voted in: president Lesley Lane; vice-president Lea Crammond; secretary and treasurer Maureen Webb; vice-treasurer Jane Bolwell, welfare officer Rae Hill and publicity officer Lea Crammond.

The auxiliary made $50,000 available in the next financial year to cover leasing costs for essential medical equipment for the palliative care team to use as necessary.

Hospice co-ordinator Larna Woodyatt and palliative care nurse Deb Funcke attended the

meeting, thanking the auxiliary for its work and dedication by providing funds for medical equipment, used for clients palliating at home.

They also requested some extra items: portable oxygen concentrators and pressure stockings in two sizes to have in stock, which the auxiliary voted unanimously to purchase.

Mrs Crammond said the auxiliary had a fashion parade planned for October 7 and was currently working on the fundraising ideas that were put forward at the meeting.

“The auxiliary is always very interested in encouraging new members,” she said.

“We are a very dedicated team fundraising for a magnificent cause and we need many more members to achieve our goals.”

People interested in becoming a member can contact Maureen Webb 0427 855 390 or Lea Crammond on 0417 030 827.

LEADERS: Wimmera Hospice Care Auxiliary committee members, back, from left, Rae Hill, Kellie McMaster, Maureen Webb, Lesley Lane and Jane Bolwell, and front, Lea Crammond, hospice co-ordinator Larna Woodyatt and palliative care nurse Deb Funcke.

River access angst

The Victorian Farmers Federation, VFF, has hit back against recreational fishing body VRFish’s push to open up more road reserves to give fishers better river access across the state.

As part of VRFish’s state election priorities it is calling for better access to Crown land through a ‘Roads to River’ program.

VRFish chair Rob Loats said recreational fishers had raised concerns with VRFish about less places to fish or that they could not access waterways due to former access points being fenced off or unknowingly blocking access to fishers.

“Victoria has hundreds of kilometres of crown land river frontage that is inaccessible to recreational fishers because they can’t cross private land,” he said.

“Unused road reserves often provide important intersections between public roads and public river frontage providing vital access for recreational fishers.

“We want to work with the government and farmers in a pragmatic way to identify key areas to access our valued waterways.

“If a particular track doesn’t work, let’s find one that does.”

But the VFF believes the program would ‘funnel recreational traffic straight through working farms’ and repeat the mistakes of the State Government’s Crown frontage camping changes.

VFF president and Minyip farmer Ryan Milgate said the plan ignored that many of the reserves were ‘anything but unused’.

“They run through the heart of family farms, where they have been fenced, grazed, cropped and cared for by landholders for generations under long-term lease arrangements,” he said. Biosecurity risk

Mr Milgate said activating the corridors would create serious biosecurity, safety and management risks, with no clear benefit that could not be delivered through established public access points.

“Recreational fishing is a great Victorian pastime, and farmers are happy to share the bush, but ‘roads to rivers’ is the wrong way to go about it,” he said.

“This is a serious biosecurity risk.

“Every vehicle, boot and dog that travels down a farm track can carry weeds, soil and disease onto a property.

“At a time when farmers are on high alert for emergency animal and plant diseases, the last thing we need is taxpayer money spent opening up uncontrolled access across farmland.

“Add open gates, wandering stock, fire risk and the safety of the families who live and work on these properties, and you can see why farmers are alarmed.”

Mr Milgate said the proposal was a repeat of a past concept to allow people more access to

Crown land for camping, which he said ‘caused years of conflict, biosecurity worry and mistrust in the bush’.

The VFF is calling on all parties and candidates to rule out activating unused road reserves that cut through farmland, and to consult directly with the VFF, affected landholders and licence holders before considering any change in access.

Mr Loats said VRFish was fully aware that farmers often allowed public access to Crown land, abiding by their licence conditions, and most fishers were respectful and aware they must seek permission to enter private property.

He said according to Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, DEECA, a licence over an unused road provided personal permission to enter and use the land for a specific purpose, but did not offer exclusive use to the licensee.

“The sky won’t fall down every time someone goes fishing and farmers shouldn’t be pitted against fishers,” he said.

“We should be working together to get the right outcome for all Victorians.”

Mr Loats said recreational fishing was an important tourism contributor to regional economies, with recreational fishers investing hundreds of dollars per trip in buying food, fuel and accommodation as they travel through regional towns.

UPDATE:

Ararat Rural City

Mayor Bob Sanders and dental prosthetist Vo Tran admire Ararat Denture Clinic’s updated façade.

Denture clinic latest recipient

Ararat Denture Clinic will install new signage after becoming the latest recipient of Ararat Rural City Council’s Façade Grant Scheme.

The clinic at 36 High Street shares its space with Wren Chiropractic, another business that received a façade grant last year.

Through the grant program, the council awards up to $10,000 on a two-to-one matching basis to help businesses refresh their storefronts.

The program is open to new, expanding, or relocating businesses with a street frontage anywhere across the municipality, which can use the money for external upgrades includ-

ing painting, deep cleaning, replacing doors and windows, installing new signage and adding outdoor lighting, heating or cooling.

“When we invest in local business, the positive ripple effect hits the entire community,” Mayor Bob Sanders said.

“It’s all about working together to give our main street a fresh, welcoming atmosphere that makes locals proud and gives visitors a great first impression.”

Applications for the next round of the Façade Grant Scheme are now open.

People can find more information and apply via www.ararat.vic.gov.au/community/ grants-and-funding.

Groups share windfarm grants

Community groups across Ararat, Northern Grampians and Pyrenees municipalities have secured funding through the 2026 Ararat Windfarm grants scheme.

The scheme offers funding of up to $7500, or up to $15,000 with matching con-

tributions, to drive social and environmental sustainability.

Recipient organisations included Ararat VRI Bowls Club, Ararat Women’s Shed, Ararat City Band, Jail House Rock Festival, Central Grampians LLEN, Ararat and District Junior Football, Lake Bo-

GET BARE ROOTED

lac Memorial Hall, Moyston Progress Association, and the Write Away Group. Applications are now closed but people can learn more at www.ararat.vic.gov.au/ community/grants-andfunding.

Stylish new edition

Mercedes-AMG has expanded its Australian line-up with the arrival of the CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe Edition R, a new special edition that combines additional performance-focused equipment with a lower asking price than the model on which it is based.

Priced from $159,900 before onroad costs, the Edition R undercuts the standard CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe by $827 while introducing a host of styling and equipment enhancements previously unavailable on the model in Australia.

The headline addition is the AMG ‘styling package’, offered on the CLE 53 for the first time. It includes a more aggressive front apron with aerodynamic side flics, a high-gloss black rear apron and a larger rear spoiler lip.

Also fitted as standard are 20-inch forged AMG cross-spoke alloy wheels finished in matt black, AMG ‘track pace’ performance telemetry software and the ‘performance’ seat package.

The latter adds AMG performance front seats trimmed in Artico synthetic leather and Microcut microfibre, complemented by striking red seat belts.

Inside, the Edition R also gains metal-structure trim and a metal-effect centre console, adding to the coupe’s driver-focused ambience.

The new equipment complements the existing AMG night package and AMG exterior night package II, which add gloss black exterior detailing, black chrome badging and darkened trim elements.

Mercedes-AMG has made no mechanical changes to the special edition.

Power continues to come from a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder petrol engine with 48-volt integrated starter-generator technology, producing 330kW and 560Nm.

Drive is sent to all four wheels through AMG’s fully-variable performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system and a nine-speed Speedshift TCT automatic transmission.

The drivetrain is supported by ‘ride control’ adaptive suspension, rear-axle steering and ‘dynamic plus’, allowing the CLE 53 to combine everyday refinement with genuine high-performance capability.

Mercedes-AMG quotes a 0-100kmh acceleration time of 4.2 seconds.

Standard equipment retained from the regular CLE 53 includes the AMG performance steering wheel, Burmester 3D surround sound system, panoramic sliding sunroof, digitallight headlights, MBUX navigation premium, head-up display, active distance-assist Distronic and active brake assist. The CLE range replaced both the C-

Class and E-Class coupe and cabriolet line-ups when it launched in Australia in 2023 and competes directly with the BMW 4 Series Coupe.

The Edition R becomes the fourth Mercedes-AMG model to receive the treatment locally, joining the A35 Edition R, A45 Edition R+ and C43 Edition R+.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has indi-

Mercedes-AMG special edition arrives with styling upgrades, forged wheels and more at a lower price

cated an Edition R version of the CLE 53 Convertible is also under consideration.

The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupé Edition R is on sale now through Australian Mercedes-Benz dealerships, with first customer deliveries commencing in August.

– Peter Barnwell

Multivan brings back 4Motion

Volkswagen expects its plug-in hybrid Multivan, arriving next year, to revitalise interest in its people mover, as part of a broader model update due in the second quarter of 2027.

It will also see the return of 4Motion all-wheel drive, integral to the PHEV version of the Multivan, which has Volkswagen most excited, along with a return of the California campervan that helps separate the stalwart from tech-laden Chinese rivals.

All-wheel drive has not featured on the T7 generation of Multivan, and Volkswagen says its people-mover customers have long valued the security and go-almost-anywhere flexibility it brings – particularly for those heading to the snow.

“We are so excited for plug-in hybrid for Multivan, especially because what it brings with it is 4Motion,” Michelle Rowney, VW commercial vehicles head of product and marketing said.

“As you know, our customers, especially our people-mover and van customers, love the 4Motion product in our vans.

“So with plug-in hybrid comes 4Motion – and we see that as a really important part of the range.”

The plug-in hybrid will headline the update with a 180kW output and, crucially, the 4Motion system.

The PHEV gets an electric motor on each axle as well as a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine making 130kW. Combined, the system outputs 180kW and 350Nm.

A 19.7kWh battery gives about 90km of EV range – Australian figures are to be confirmed.

Volkswagen will not be drawn on the dieselversus-PHEV sales split this far out, but says there’s a fair chance the plug-in becomes the Multivan’s favoured powertrain – pointing to a surge in plug-in hybrid demand among Australian buyers over the past year.

“What we’ve seen this year is a real push into the plug-in hybrid space from Australians,” Ms Rowney said.

“And we can see the adoption of electric vehicles has increased.”

It cannot hurt that diesel fuel has copped the brunt of the price spikes in recent months, shifting buyer preferences towards EVs and hybrids. Despite significantly tougher emissions regulations in 2027 – part of the next level of the government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, NVES – the diesel will still be part of the line-up.

The 2027 update also includes new exterior and interior design tweaks, fresh trim lines and seat packages, new colours and wheels, and – for the

“Both Multivan and Buzz are people-movers, but they offer something completely different. That flat floor, the flexibility of the seating – that’s not necessarily there to the extent it is with the Chinese competitors”

– Michelle Rowney

camper faithful – the return of the California.

The California gets a pop-top campervan roof as part of its ‘adventurous spirit’.

While sales of the Multivan tick over – albeit at lower levels in an increasingly competitive market – Volkswagen has dismissed the new wave of Chinese people movers pushing upmarket.

Asked why rivals like the GAC M8, Zeekr, Xpeng X9 and Denza D9 did not feature in its competitive set, the brand argued Multivan buyers simply were not cross-shopping them.

Instead, it benchmarks the Ford Tourneo, Kia Carnival, Hyundai Staria and Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer.

“Anyone in the people-mover space can be a competitor, but the ones that we highlighted are the ones we see our customers comparing us with,” Ms Rowney said.

“So they’re the ones that we benchmark.”

The reasoning is partly about drivetrain and packaging.

Volkswagen’s view is that buyers set on an EV gravitate to its own ID.Buzz rather than the Multivan, and that the Chinese contenders – many of them hybrid or electric – do not match the Multivan’s flat floor and modular seat system that allows individual pews to be removed, in turn creating up to 3672 litres of load space with all rear seats removed.

“We’re more likely to be cross-shopped ID.Buzz against, say, a Zeekr than a Multivan,” Ms Rowney said.

“Both Multivan and Buzz are people-movers, but they offer something completely different.

“That flat floor, the flexibility of the seating –that’s not necessarily there to the extent it is with the Chinese competitors.”

For now, the range topper is the limited Multivan Edition – a limited run of 300 units, from $79,990 before on-road costs, or $82,990 driveaway – using the same 110kW/360Nm 2.0-litre TDI diesel and seven-speed DSG as the

Market to drive BYD decision

The feasibility of a battery-electric ute model from BYD in Australia will depend on whether it can ‘address market needs’.

The Chinese electrified vehicle brand’s Australian director of public relations Paul Ellis said within the last two years, there had been significant developments in the nation’s electrified ute space.

In 2024, the BYD Shark 6 became the first plug-in hybrid ute ever launched in Australia.

Less than a year later, Ford added a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, PHEV, variant to its highly popular Ranger line-up.

But while the Blue Oval has adopted plug-in hybrid power for its highly-popular ute model, in May of this year its Australian vehicle program director effectively ruled out a BEV version of the Ranger for the foreseeable future on the grounds that the technology fell short of required capability.

Toyota had the opposite approach, launching a battery electric version of the HiLux in Australia earlier this year alongside its turbo diesel and turbo diesel mild-hybrid stablemates, but does not currently offer a plug-in hybrid variant of its ute.

ing and we’re learning. We’re a new brand, so we’d have to sort of present ourselves and make potential customers aware of what we can offer.

“If that means having discussions with major sections of industry and letting them know what technology we can provide for them and if they say, ‘yes, we need that’, then we would look at it.”

BYD’s Shark 6 ute line-up expanded earlier this year, with the cab-chassis and performance models joining the existing premium model grade.

Since landing down under, the Shark 6 has enjoyed considerable sales success, with 27,566 examples sold in Australia since its arrival, based on the latest available sales data at the time of writing.

Last year it was the 18th-best-selling model overall in Australia and the fifth-best-selling ute. It was also the best-selling plug-in hybrid model regardless of segment.

When asked where BYD stands when it comes to electric utes for Australia, Mr Ellis said it would consider such a model if it could identify a market need for one.

The three manufacturers are not the only marques to bring an electrified ute model to Australia in the last two years, with additional brands such as GWM, JAC and KGM launching either a BEV or PHEV-powered offering.

“We need to address market needs. If there is a need for that type of vehicle, a battery ute, then we would look at it,” he said.

“But there has to be a need because there’s no use producing a vehicle if there’s no demand for it.”

Mr Ellis pointed to mining companies as potential customers for an

electric BYD ute, much in the same way that fellow Chinese brand JAC offered its T9 EV to the Warrikal mining company in Western Australia.

“If there is a need, it would probably be with niche organisations like mining companies and organisations such as that,” he said.

“We’re watching and we’re look-

BYD’s ute portfolio could soon broaden further, with the smaller Mako, likely to be car-based and feature plug-in hybrid power – potentially also using the Shark 5 name – being unveiled in September.

However it is yet to be confirmed for Australia, and is expected in South American markets first.

– Jack Mackenzie

Painters consist of Wayne Batty and sons

and Keegan and have all the

knowledge for your next

With over 10 years expertise in the trade Wayne and his sons offer the complete service from minor repairs to major commercial applications.

No job is too small for WRB and Sons Painters and they will travel anywhere in the Wimmera.

Wayne’s motto is ‘Do it with passion or not at all’ and guarantees you’ll be happy with the completed work.

“To see our work, like WRB & SONS PAINTERS on Facebook.”

LOCAL TRADE DIRECTORY

pUZZLEs

Quick Workout

Fit the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.

Fit the numbers 1-6 once into every hexagon so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers are the same. No number is repeated in any single hexagon.

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On This Day

From The Weekly Advertiser archives: August 3, 2006 –Ararat Legacy hosted its inaugural junior speaking awards at the city’s cinema complex with 13 entrants. The winner was Lake Bolac’s Annie Armstrong, with Ararat’s Hayley Collinson the runner-up. Visiting Melbourne chief judge Lesley Scott, with other judges Kate Hopper of Melbourne Legacy and Beaufort’s Lester Hopper, praised all entrants for their choice of topic and the way they presented.

10 years ago: August 3, 2016

Horsham was set to host international daredevil show Nitro Circus during the 2017 Easter weekend, with an expected crowd of 10,000 people. A cross-platform action sports show, its single event at Horsham was part of a global tour and one of 14 Australian shows. It involved 81 staff, 36 daredevil athletes and 12 semi-trailer loads of equipment. It was expected to generate $500,000 in economic activity in the district.

Five years ago: August 4, 2021

The Wimmera was celebrating Nhill’s Lucy Stephan, its first homegrown Olympic gold medallist, after she competed in the women’s four rowing team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Delayed owing to pandemic COVID-19, Stephan rowed with Rosemary Popa, Jessica Morrison and Annabelle McIntyre to win the 2000-metre event in a time of six minutes and 15.37 seconds. Watching from home on the family farm, her parents Mandy and Gus, brother Oscar and his girlfriend, went into Rainbow to celebrate with a bakery pie – the pub was not open.

One year ago: August 6, 2025

Warracknabeal’s Enid and Ed Schultz celebrated 72 years of marriage – and Mr Schultz’s 105th birthday. The pair had lived in the district all their lives, and recalled when kerosene lamps were used routinely – electricity had not yet reached their home. They moved from their Sheep Hills farm into Warracknabeal when Mr Schultz was 68. He thought it was too late in life to buy new farm equipment when the industry moved from horse-driven to diesel-driven machinery.

TaKE a BrEaK

yOUr LUCKy sTars

FOR THE WEEK AUGUST 2 TO AUGUST 8

ARIES (21 March – 20 April)

1. Born on this day in 1947 was which Australian rock singer-songwriter and actor, whose song featured during television series Neighbours’ most famous wedding?

2. Mackay, Mt Isa and Caboolture are cities in which Australian state or territory?

3. Who had a hit with the song ‘Woman in Love’ in 1980 – Barbra Streisand, Stevie Wonder, Dire Straits or David Bowie?

4. Hemophobia is the fear of what?

5. In which board game do two-to-four players press a plastic bubble containing a dice in the centre of the board, to send four pieces around the board?

6. Who is credited with the creation of The Flintstones?

7. In which city would you find The Kunsthistorisches Museum – Amsterdam, Vienna or St Petersburg?

8. What does the car-related acronym VIN mean?

9. Camembert cheese is traditionally made from the milk of which animal – cow, sheep, goat or yak?

10. In painting, what is the term for a work of art depicting an arrangement of inanimate objects, such as food, flowers, glasses or books?

11. ‘Ovine’ refers to which animal species?

12. Medical term myocardial infarction is more commonly known as what?

13. From which book is this the first line: Once there were four children whose names were Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy.

14. Born Colin Jacobsen and dying on this day in 2025 was which Australian pop-rock singer-songwriter and guitarist, known for ‘Oh Yeah Uh Huh’ and ‘Rockin Rollin Clementine’?

12. Heart attack. 13. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. 14. Col Joye.

8. Vehicle Identification Number. 9. Cow. 10. Still life. 11.

Answers: 1. Angry Anderson. 2. Queensland. 3. Barbra Streisand. 4. Blood. 5. Trouble. 6. William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. 7.

Getting in touch with The Weekly

Our office is at 2 Stawell Road, Horsham. Mail: PO Box 606, Horsham 3402. Telephone: 5382 1351. Website: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au Email: weeklyadvertiser@team.aceradio.com.au For classified advertisements: 5382 1351 – email: horsham@aceradio.com.au

Advertising: Mark Sulic: 0407 313 456, marks@team.aceradio.com.au; Lee Meadows: 0407 046 864, leem@team.aceradio.com.au; Kelly Schilling: 0437 894 257, kschilling@aceradio.com.au; Lily Olver: 0411 784 001, lolver@aceradio.com.au; James Davidson: 0439 820 014, jdavidson@aceradio.com.au. Newsroom 5382 1351: Lauren Henry: lhenry@aceradio.com.au; Bronwyn Hastings: bhastings@aceradio.com.au; Colin MacGillivray: cmacgillivray@aceradio.com.au;

Lucky Colour: Peach Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 1.3.5.2. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.26.28.33. Step forward in your career pursuits; success is indicated by former opportunities that passed you by returning to pave your path. Be open to the unexpected, as sudden shifts may redefine your current lifestyle.

TAURUS (21 April – 20 May)

Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 2.6.9.5. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.16.29.30.33. Professional advancements indicate promises of increased financial gain. In your romantic life, prepare for intriguing and unusual encounters. Now is the right time to actively go after what you really want.

GEMINI (21 May – 21 June)

Lucky Colour: White Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 1.5.9.6. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.45.40.33. Deeper emotional bonds are forming as many become involved in more intense relationships. Exercise discretion regarding the company you choose to keep. Remember that your fate is yours, so make the most of it.

CANCER (22 June – 22 July)

Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 2.3.6.5. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.16.26.30.33. Most of your problems will find solutions, with more choices than usual to improve your finances. Expect to take on a more decisive, dominant role in your love life.

LEO (23 July – 22 August)

Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 2.3.6.5. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.16.23.30.33. Money could be more accessible to obtain, giving you increased options to fulfil your desires. Persist with confidence, as lingering obstacles in your path begin to clear.

VIRGO (23 August – 23 September)

Lucky Colour: Cream Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 2.6.9.8. Lotto Numbers: 1.15.26.29.30.8. Family get-togethers should be happy and bring a few surprises. Financial problems start to improve, opening up more opportunities for personal growth and a far more active love life.

LIBRA (24 September – 23 October)

Lucky Colour: Dark Blue Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 5.6.9.5. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.5.9.16.33. Career luck is on its way, bringing something you thought was out of reach right to your door. Past loves could return unexpectedly, and there are very likely family reasons to celebrate.

SCORPIO (24 October – 22 November)

Lucky Colour: Fawn Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 4.6.5.4. Lotto Numbers: 1.45.40.22.26.30. Travel does not seem like a very good idea just now. Those who insist on their own way could become stuck in their romantic affairs. Switch on the charm, and you will overcome all obstacles.

SAGITTARIUS (23 November – 20 December)

Lucky Colour: Orange Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 1.2.3.2 Lotto Numbers: 1.12.16.29.2.5. Opposition to your love affairs could take you by surprise; charm will go a long way towards solving most of your problems. Financial gain can come through the dedicated efforts of another.

CAPRICORN (21 December – 19 January)

Lucky Colour: Cream Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 2.3.2.5. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.16.29.30.36. Many could become the centre of a romantic affair with someone beautiful. Your animal magnetism could be working overtime, and some exciting propositions could be coming your way.

AQUARIUS (20 January – 19 February)

Lucky Colour: Lilac Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 3.6.2.5. Lotto Numbers: 3.12.26.5.40.8. Plans could depend on distant events, making this an excellent time to mix business and pleasure with lucky results. An offer to involve you in a moneymaking venture could be the chance of a lifetime.

PISCES (20 February – 30 March)

Lucky Colour: Orange Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 2.3.5.6. Lotto Numbers: 2.13.26.39.5.11. Travel could be on your agenda, and with happy results. The new people you meet and the events that follow seem to improve your luck and renew your energy levels a lot.

Vienna.

Sheep.

Classifieds

BELL,

Cheryle Christine

7.9.1944 - 14.7.2026

In loving memory of our amazing, courageous best friend and golfing mate; and in recent times, one of our Thursday coﬀee girls.

Our visits to Cheryle were very special.

BERGEN

(nee Feuerherdt), Marie Hazel

Passed away on July 29, 2026 aged 81 years.

Dearly loved Wife of Rex.

Loving mother and motherin-law of Craig & Kim; Anne-Marie & David; Jason & Julie.

Adored Grandma to all of her grandchildren and Old Ma to her great grandchild.

In God’s Care

BRIGDEN, Robert Charles

5-9-1939 to 28-7-2026

Dearly loved husband of Joy for 51 years. The love we shared remains eternal, even as you rest in peace.

A celebration for the life of Robert will take place graveside at the Nhill Lawn Cemetery, Friday, August 7 at 1pm.

Emiley & Mathew Bone

Nhill, Dimboola & Kaniva District Funerals 0419 008 464

HAWKES (Mackay), Karen Leigh

25-6-1964 to 29-7-2026

Passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones.

Much loved mother of Michael, Missy, Luke, Sam & Greg.

Sister to Andrew (dec), David (dec) & Peter. Forever in our Hearts

Horsham & District Funerals

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

MINNE, Sheryle Kay

Passed away peacefully on Tuesday 21st July 2026, Aged 77.

Loving daughter of Murray & Lorna Minne.

Loved sister of Chris, Gail & Stephen.

Loved and remembered always.

Horsham & District Funerals

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

MURPHY, Bryan Joseph

22-7-1935 to 27-7-2026

Formerly of Horsham and Warracknabeal (Angip) Passed away peacefully at Natimuk Aged Care, aged 91 years.

Dearly loved husband of Judy (dec).

Loving and proud father and father-in-law to Angela & Alister Castle; Cecilia & Rob Caris; Bridget & Harvey Lang; Dolores (Polly) & Rob Wilkinson; Sarah & Dean Barton.

Adored grandfather to Sarah; Rene, Nick, Maggie & Ella; Jack & Sarah, Tom & Nikki & Charlie; Olivia & Michael; Bridget, Oscar & Mollie.

Loved great grandfather to Hugo & Freddy.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Natimuk Nursing home, not only for their dedicated, high quality care but their genuine companionship and support of Bryan over the past three years.

Forever in Our Hearts, Love you BJ

NATT, (nee Eldridge) Lois Dean

7-08-1927 - 29-07-2026 at Natimuk, formerly Beulah.

Loved Wife of Colin (dec).

Loved Mother of Cheryl, Jennifer & Gaelene.

Loved Grandmother & Great Grandmother to their Families.

In Keeping with Lois’s wishes a Private Funeral will be held.

PLUSH, Kevin George

6-3-1932 to 31-7-2026

Loved husband of Joan (dec).

Loving father of Peter (dec), Tracey & Christine.

Cherished Pa to his five grandchildren and their families.

Forever In Our Hearts

WILSON (Butler), Maree Anne

20-12-58 to 25-7-26

Beloved daughter of Nola and Don (dec) and older sister of Adrian, Wendy and Robert.

To my darling daughter, You are missed beyond measure and loved beyond words. Gone to heaven to be with Dad, and safe in the arms of Jesus. Love Mum.

Maree

Our beautiful sister.

We remember all the laughter, love and cherished memories we shared over the years. You brought our families together, kept us connected and filled our lives with warmth and kindness.

We admired your courage and positive spirit throughout the challenges of recent years. Even until the very end, your smile never faded.

You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

We love you with all our hearts and will carry your memory with us always.

Adrian, Jo, Jack, Ani, Lucy, Olly & Scottie; Wendy, Dan, Emily, Phillip, Sam & Matt; Rob, Kylie, Will & Abbey.

WIRTH,

Robert ‘Bob’ Ernest

25-7-1927 to 25-7-2026

Passed away on his 99th birthday

Beloved husband of Joyce (dec).

Cherished father and fatherin-law to Colin & Wendy; Brian & Julie.

Much loved Grandpa/Poppy to Amanda & Adam, Sally & Ryan, Narelle & Jon, Chloe; Lauren & Tammy and Aaron & Stacey and Great Grandpa to Edison & Sadie; Zoe, Zac & Jed; Miles; Alexander & Christopher.

He leaves behind a lifetime of treasured memories and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Now resting peacefully

Horsham & District Funerals

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

WIRTH, Robert Ernest ‘Bob’ 25-7-1927 to 25-7-2026

Passed away peacefully on his 99th birthday.

Dearly loved husband of Joyce for 70 years.

Loved father and father-inlaw of Brian & Julie.

Loved Grandpa of Lauren & Tammy, Aaron & Stacey.

Loved Great Grandpa of Alexander & Christopher.

WIRTH, Robert ‘Bob

25-7-1927 to 25-7-2026

Loved father to Colin and father-in-law to Wendy. Adored Poppy to Amanda & Adam, Sally & Ryan, Narelle & Jon, and Chloe.

‘Old Grandpa’/Poppy to Edison & Sadie; Zoe, Zac & Jed; and Miles.

A long life well lived, now resting peacefully

MURPHY, Bryan Joseph

Funeral Mass for Mr Bryan

Joseph Murphy will be held at St Michael & John’s Catholic Church, Horsham on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 commencing at 11am

The service will be live streamed via the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@ smjchurchhorsham/streams (This will be available 10 minutes before the Funeral Mass).

A private burial will be held the following day.

W.B. Gardiner & Son Funeral Directors Warracknabeal 0407 340 064

PLUSH, Kevin George

BERGEN,

Marie Hazel

A Memorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Marie Hazel Bergen will take place at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Horsham on Tuesday, 11 August 2026 commencing at 2pm.

The service may also be viewed online at www.youtube.com/@ horshamlutheranchurc haustr7146

Privately interred.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

HAWKES (Mackay), Karen Leigh

The funeral service to farewell the late Ms Karen Hawkes will be held at Horsham & District Funerals chapel, located 23 Pynsent Street Horsham, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 commencing at 2.45pm Interment to follow at Horsham Cemetery.

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

MINNE, Sheryle Kay

The graveside service for the late Sheryle Minne will be held at Horsham Lawn Cemetery on Friday 7th of August 2026 commencing at 2pm.

Amity & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149

WIRTH

Robert ‘Bob’ Ernest

The memorial service to farewell the late Robert Wirth will be held at St Andrew’s Church in Horsham, on Monday, August 10, 2026 commencing at 11am

A private interment will take place.

Amity & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149

80th

Kevin George Plush will be farewelled at a private family gathering.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

JACKSON, Judy

1-9-1952 to 3-8-2024

Two years since you left us. We love and miss you. Love Tony and family.

Thank

you i

We would like to sincerely thank our family and friends who helped us celebrate our 80th birthdays.

We appreciated your attendance and kind thoughts.

Ron and Ana Lowe

4 x Eclectus Parrots, 3 x Hens, 1 x male, under 12 months old, $200 each Ph 0432528244 Stawell

Birds for sale, princess parrots and bourkes, all colours, call for prices Ph 0408535515 Stawell

Budgies, assorted colours $10 each Ph 0417533579

Buying, Pigs, Goats and Poultry, Ph 0427361940 or Ph 0480137184.

Eclectus parrots aviary birds only, 2 year olds and a pair ready to breed, three pairs $1100 per pair Ph or text 0492486058 Dimboola

Golden Retriever X Lab puppies, both girls and boys, vacc chip wormed DOB 9/5/2026, ready 4 July 900164002407397 /386/394/4 01/398/389/388/393/400/387, source # MB310162 $1000 Ph or text 0492486058 Dimboola

Pure bred Australian Kelpie, ‘Bailey’, beautiful natured working dog, great working dog lines, from Stuart Park Kelpies, very faithful, basic training, been around sheep but not working yet, needs training, DOB 27/7/2025, not desexed, selling due to cutting back sheep numbers, M/C 972274001675727 $1000 Ph 0419399684

2012 Jayco Starcraft 22 ft, rarely used, ensuit, laundry etc, photos available call paul ph0438564345

2023 Jayco Cross Trak , 4.2m 14’, Hybrid pop-top, off road suspension, solar, TV, external shower, diesel heater, generator, air con, 2 fridges, tare 1370, tows behind most vehicles, as new condition

$38,000 Ph 0421511754

JAYCO 19.6 StarCraft

Outback 2012, dual axle, one owner, new full annexe & tyres, VGC, $39,500 Ph 0429092059

Kimberley Off Road Kamper, genuine all Australian made in Ballina NSW $8000 Ph 0427535212

Motorhome Jayco Fiat

Conquest , model FA 25.3, 4yrs old, $13,000 of extras, EC, 10,000kms $148,000 Ph 0428340802

REDUCED 2018 Dingo

Ultimate Camper , heavy duty top of the line off-road trailer including boat rack, fully enclosed annexe including ensuite, lots of storage, built-in instant gas hot water to sink and shower, dual AGM batteries and built-in inverter and charger, innerspring mattress and ability to make up second double bed, two new off-road tyres, VGC, Y76535

$15,500ono Ph 0407360212

REDUCED Toyota Coaster camper , 2 seater, diesel heater, 1hz motor, solar and 12v awning much more $27,500 Ph 0418325662

Sentiveco daily/5th wheeler combo, set up for off grid, too many extras to list, was $102,000 now $97,000 Ph 0438149265

Goldacres Sprayer, 2300L, 58ft, foam marker, $2500 Ph 0419778181 Jeparit

Small square bale hay stack elevator $120 Ph 0494034244

Oaten hay and wheaten hay 8x4x3 bales, feedtests and delivery avail by single or b double load Ph 0429944146 Nhill

2 swags $300 total, health sauna $4000, electric boat motor $200, taking best offers on: igloo tent, train set and antique wooden table Ph 0429948774

2x 50T Ackland silos, buyer to remove, Murtoa $4000 for both Ph 042933570

5 litre oxygen concentrator as new, beige recliner rockers, blue 2 seater couch, kitchen table, colour tv Ph 0429821820

8x4 trailer, deep sides, big wheels, $1000 Ph 0478254195

Aluminium fence panels x7

$65 each Ph 0419509335

Aluminium Ute Tray , electric/hydraulic tipper, ram overhauled $3200 Ph 0428944462

As new LG refrigerator

$500, Panasonic colour TV to giveaway Ph 0475431668

Avery 6 inch Chrome and Wood, Avery 7 inch Chrome and Wood, Mitchell 3390, Ocean City 165 USA, Penn Longreach 68 USA, Mitchell Garcia 386, Penn Senator Game, Dam Quick 22A Ph 53824316, 0419115930

Bicycles, Geeko boys bike 12”

$10, Mens Trek mountain bike

$50, Ladies Avanti Discovery 27 Speed as new $300, Unisex Trek ‘Legal’ E-Bike

Bosch Electrics, hydraulic disc brakes, as new, cost

$4k + selling for $2900 Ph 0427617677 Horsham

Chook house, 1500mm wide 1400H x 1200L, nest box attached, keep your chooks safe from predators, $250 Ph 53583440

Cool room drop-in unit, 1 horsepower, 10amp plug in, digital control, other sizes available $1850 Ph 0417101120

Electric motor, working order

$80 Ph 0428504301

Firewood Portable Sawbench

15HP E start, Tungsten, tip blade Ex con $1,400. Ph 0428340270

Four arm walker , $150 ph0437600095

Fresh Farm eggs! $5 a dozen Ph 0423182267

Full lift electric chair, pure leather, $350 Ph 0478254195

Gold and opal ring, approx 80yrs old, current valuation

$4500 would like $1000 Ph 0458014560

Kayak Dragon , 3.6m, 2.5 seater, green & white, very good condition, support seats, paddles, buoyancy vests, $450 Ph 0407340345

2023 Mystic 12’ Fantasy Caravan, only been used once, always shedded, $36,000 Ph 0427857354

Vintage Skyline 60’s Caravan, registered, useable condition, 10ft, full annex, $5000 Ph 0419778181 Jeparit

1 Case

Large amount split cane 3pce fly rods, 2pc split cane rods, 1pc solid split cane rods with reels excellent condition, D.A.M Quicksilver fly 9.5ft with reel, custom built 8ft6” fishing rod with reel, lots of fishing flys Ph 53824316

Masport Chipper and Spreader , twin blades, never been used, $1000 Ph 0456393984

Masseuse Therapeutic

Dual-Pro massage chair, 2 yrs old, as new, cost $11,000 sell $5,000 ono Ph 0413832765

Ararat

Meat Mincer, 4 inch throat, portable on stand, stainless tray, electric motor $300 Ph 0428944143

Multiple items - Swing saw, new belts, 39” blade with bench, Kohler motor rec, 2 old lawn mowers, good goers, chainsaws all in good cond, all makes, 10 speed mens bike, ex cond, 80ltr car fridge, in cooler bag, new, never used, make an offer Ph 0429824055

Nissan Forklift, very reliable $8500 Ph 0429821541

Oaten hay rolls for sale,4’ 6 X 4, $75 p/roll Ph Terry Wardlaw 0427105591 Balmoral

Pallet Jack crown, very little use from new, asking $400 Ph 0421791492 Stawell

Parsnip seed, professionally cleaned $200 per kg Ph Pat 0427822455

Portable air compressor , new, very handy machine $1500 firm Ph 0407340961

REDUCED Beko dryer $200, entertainment unit $200, both in excellent condition Ph Jenny 53836242 or 0429029215

Second hand black steel star posts, $3 each Ph 0428944143

Seed wheat scepter 3 tonne grated and pickled, round bale carrier, cattle crush, 3 hydraulic cylinders 18”x2.5” Ph 0407911884

Sherwell PTO bin $1200 Ph 0428857312

Victa 560 commercial lawn mower , Ready Start Self propelled, throws/mulches does not catch, 2022 model, Briggs & Stratton engine 850 professional series, little use, recent service $800 Ph 0429018785 Horsham

White outdoor lawn mower, needs starter, and Girntz tilter $600 Ph 0427828420

Wood Thicknesser, Barker 2’, AE Herbert 1’ buzzer, sold together $2000 Ph 53524764

Black 6 piece dining setting in good condition $200, large wooden rimmed mirror $85, a number of pictures and painting ranging from $10-$30, open to offers Ph 0409312294

Ararat

Lift Bed, IC333 four function, used 6 months, includes cool balance 10’ mattress $3000 each 2 available Ph 0417156434 Horsham

Proton Jumbuck Ute 2011, unregistered 24,224ks $5000 ph0437600095 PLIC97PNRAB016095

Suzuki Grand Vitara Trekker JB

3.7 savage aluminium boat, UM198, 20 HP Mercury forward steer reyco trailer, b15834 electric motor and lawrence fish finder $2200 ono Ph 0428523919

Sectorcare walker 8” wheels with cane holder brand only used once $100 Ph 0353 583206

2/1997 Yamaha TRX 850 all factory original 9600kms, 10 month rego, meets requirements for club plates, YB-122 $8,000 Ph

2015 Mazda BT-50 Extra Cab - 6 Wheeler, with rear lazy axle, GVM upgrade to 4490kg, custom 3 metre tray with toolboxes, slide out drawer, ladder rack, dual batteries, electric brakes, snorkel, clearview mirrors, quality canvas canopy, good condition, 104,200 kms, reg 1IX7PW, $42,000 Ph 0409820089

2019 Jaguar 25 F Pace R Sport sedan, R/W, gen reason for sale, EC, AWP498, $26,000 Ph 0428382790

2019 XL Ford Ranger, white 4x4, ute/steel tray and locked undertray boxes, RWC, bull bar, tow bar, snorkel, rear camera, gen reason for sale, EC, 89,761kms, 1RO-7EC

$42,000 Ph 0428382790

2022 Nissan Navara cab chassis, 4 by 2, turbo diesel, 7 speed auto, RWC supplied, bullbar, driving lights and towbar, extended warranty, 65,100kms, $29,000 Ph 0429942637

Ford Escape Trend ST Line 2022 97,000km One owner, full service history, RWC, Tow Bar, Rego til June 2026 $26,000 Ph 0427343783

Toyota Troopcarrier , 2005 1HZ, 3 seat, cruise control, diff locks, winch, bullbar, LED spotlights, twin batteries, solar panel, drawers/shelves, 16” sunraysias, one owner since new, 1RY5UP, 296,000kms $38,000ono Ph 0427790754

Fiji-Indian woman, 50, caring, gentle, family-oriented and never married, hopes to meet a sincere Australian man who is financially secure, owns his home, and seeks a genuine companion for marriage and shared care. She values kindness, loyalty, and a peaceful home life. Ready to provide care Ph +679 923 2717 or email fijirose1010@ gmail.com, and PO BOx 5353 Lautoka Fiji

Wanted, 49+ year old lady for serious relationship with 49 year old True Romantic Gentleman from Horsham, interests are reading, music, occasionally going out for dinner then the movies or watching movies at home, fishing and camping, walking and swimming Ph 0491230835

real estate

1/4 acre block, fully fenced, ready to build, Jeparit Vic 3423 $37,500 Ph 0439581125

Keyte’s mowing service, lawn mowing, block slashing Ph 0429309491 or 53826461

Rose Pruning, many years experience, call to book, can travel Ph Max 0417824141

Frontend Loader bucket, 1.5 cubic metre, to fit Victory 280E Ph 5385 2628 after 7.30pm

Bellhousing from straight 6 Holdens HQ, HX, HZ Ph 0421791492 Stawell

Caper trailer tent top, to fit 7ft x 5” Walkabout trailer Ph 53569340 or 0412482521

Landsborough

Chev truck rim 1925 - 1929 Ph 0427506552

Gear box from a grain auger Ph 0421791492 Stawell

LP Records , prefer 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and rabbit traps Ph 0400017344

Wanted to buy, Amateur radio, CB Radio and related accessories, from single items to bulk estate sales, $$$ Cash Paid $$$ Please Ph 0407163900

Wanted to buy, RC model aircraft, will buy collections if the price is right Ph 0435621004

Black Dog Institute www.blackdoginstitute.org.au Suicide & Mental Illness www.mindframe.org.au Indigenous supports www.wellmob.org.au

SEEKING A LOVING WOMAN FOR MARRIAGE

A sincere and caring gentleman is looking for a kind-hearted woman, aged 50 to 89, for a meaningful relationship filled with love, companionship, and respect, with the hope of marriage. I value honesty, warmth, and a genuine connection. Only serious and sincere individuals, please.

Please email: johnpeterlove@songwriter.net

horsham@ontgroup.com.au

Surface Fixes

Place your situation vacant advertisement in

– the largest circulating newspaper in the Wimmera, southern Mallee and Grampians. Telephone (03) 5382 1351 Email horshamreception@team.aceradio.com.au

...WE’RE THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOUR BUSINESS

wanted

Horsham • Stawell • Ararat

JOIN OUR TEAM

Join the Hindmarsh team and contribute to our beautiful Shire. We are currently accepting applications for the following positions:

Cleaners - Hindmarsh Holiday Parks

Permanent Part Time

Salary commencing at $33.23 per hour (plus superannuation)

Dimboola Riverside Holiday Park 2 positions available (minimum 25 hours per fortnight each)

Nhill Holiday Park 1 position available (minimum 30 hours per fortnight)

Applications close 12 noon on Friday 14 August 2026

Scan the QR code for details about these roles and how to apply, or visit our website: www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/ work-in-council

Horsham West and Haven Primary School’s vision is to empower all students to achieve their personal best. Our mission is to maintain a community of learners who are happy and confident in their ability to learn, grow and succeed. We are looking for GRADUATE AND EXPERIENCED CLASSROOM TEACHERS to join our dedicated team in 2027 Full-time & part-time positions available.

If you would like to discuss this opportunity further please contact Lee McKenzie 0438 824 580 or email your resume to: lee.mckenzie@education.vic.gov.au

DRIVER FOR WINDROWER required for Hay and Canola Season

Competitive Rates. Commencing September for up to 12 weeks. Accommodation and ute can be provided. Work is mostly Wimmera, some Mallee and Southern Grampians.

Ph: 0400 792 111

Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water (GWMWater) is an innovative water corporation providing, managing, operating and protecting water supply and sewerage systems within the region. Supply and installation of replacement penstock gates at Fyans Creek Road

GWMWater invites suitably qualified and experienced contractors to submit tenders for the supply and installation of replacement penstock gates located at Fyans Creek Road. This contract comprises of the design, supply and installation of penstock gates to be retrofitted to suit the existing weir structure at the Fyans Creek Road crossing of Fyans Creek.

The principal activities under this contract include:

Provision of necessary insurances, SWMS, OH&S documents, permits and traffic management plans; The provision of “For Constructionˮ and “As Constructedˮ drawings for the proposed design;

Necessary site preparation including appropriate site access and the temporary diversion of Fyans Creek; Removal and disposal of existing radial gates, actuators and all associated parts and fittings as required;

Procurement, supply and installation of new penstock style gates along with any necessary adjustment or replacement of existing gantry structure; Testing, commissioning and site reinstatement.

More information regarding this tender will be available from the Buying for Victoria website at tenders.vic.gov.au

Enquiries can be directed to Aaron Montgomery, Project Manager, at aaron.montgomery@gwmwater.org.au

Place your situation vacant advertisement in

GWMWater reserves the right to accept tenders in part. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted.

11 McLachlan Street, Horsham 1300 659 961 info@gwmwater.org.au | gwmwater.org.au

the largest circulating newspaper in the Wimmera, southern Mallee and Grampians. (03) 5382 1351 horshamreception@ team.aceradio.com.au

Tigers, Hoops locked in

BY SIMON KING

Players and spectators enjoyed some welcome sunshine after a frosty start at Kaniva on Saturday for round 12 of the Wimmera hockey season, where several teams confirmed their place in the finals while others remain locked in a battle to join them.

The only team to change their position on the open ladder after this round was the Nhill Rangers, who gained two points from a bye and moved up to third place after the two teams now below them were both defeated.

Yanac Tigers remain four points clear at the top of the ladder after a three-goal win over Kaniva Cobras, and it was a similar story on the other field, with Warrack Hoops scoring twice to overcome Horsham Hurricanes.

The combination of results sees the Tigers and Hoops both lock in a toptwo finish, but keeps the three-way battle for the last two places in the finals alive for another week.

The biggest result from the women’s division was Warracknabeal Women earning their first points for the season after a scoreless draw with Horsham Jets.

The two teams are resigned to finishing in the lower two places on the ladder, but are more evenly matched than they are with any of the teams above them, which contributed to a closely fought match, with a tie being a fitting result after four quarters of intense hockey.

The leading two women’s teams entered the round locked on both points and goal difference, and after the Dimboola Roos defeated Nhill Thunderbirds by four goals and Yanac defeated Kaniva by three, they remain on the same points, with Dimboola now just ahead with a one goal better goal difference.

While there were no positional changes on the under-16 ladder after Nhill Leopards defeated Dimboola Kangaroos to remain on top, the Warrack Revengers remain hot on their heels after a win over Horsham Bombers. Third-placed Kaniva Raiders and fourth-placed Yanac Warriors played out a scoreless draw.

It will be a big day at Yanac on Saturday as not only will the host club be welcoming back many former players and supporters for the ‘Back to Yanac Hockey Club’ function, but on the field, several teams will be competing to keep their chance of playing finals alive, while others are still jostling for the prime positions to mount their assault on the premiership.

The biggest match of the day in open competition on Saturday will

feature the top-of-the-ladder clash between Tigers and the Hoops. Both are already locked in to meet again in the semi-finals at the end of the month, and while this week’s result will not influence their place in the finals, with a record of one win each in their two meetings so far this season, the psychological advantage of a win on Saturday will not be lost on either team.

The other open match will have a totally different level of pressure as the Hurricanes must win if they are to have any chance of progressing to the finals, and the improving Rangers can confirm their place in the finals with a win.

Despite having the bye, Kaniva Cobras will hold their place in the top four for at least another week.

The big game in the women’s division will see the Roos take on Kaniva.

The Roos are currently on top of their ladder and need to keep winning if they are to maintain their slender lead over Yanac in the race for the minor premiership.

Although Kaniva is comfortable in third place, it needs to perform well against the teams above if they are to seriously challenge in the finals.

Nhill Thunderbirds should be too strong for Horsham Jets as they look to fine-tune their game plan, and Yanac will show no mercy towards traditional rivals Warrack Women as they strive to overtake the Roos at the top of the ladder.

With the order of the top four in the under-16 competition still up in the air, recent form suggests the Warriors and Revengers should be the closest game this week.

The Leopards should retain their grip on top spot for at least another week with a win over the Bombers, and although the Raiders will find the Kangaroos a serious challenge, they should add to their seven wins and

DRIVE: Left, Dimboola Roos’ Brooke McMaster was named as her team’s best player in their win over Nhill Thunderbirds. Below, Kaniva Cobras’ Beau Lovett lines up for a shot on the run ahead of Yanac Tigers’ Luke Reichenbach.

Pictures: SIMON KING

stay within reach of a top two finish. Round 12 results –

Open: Yanac Tigers 3 (goals, S. Farmers, T. Alexander, B. Alexander; best, B. Alexander, H. Pedie, T. Alexander) d Kaniva Cobras 0 (A. Wallis, L. Krelle, N. Dickinson). Warrack Hoops 2 (S. Schultz, C. Baldock; B. Williamson, C. Baldock, S. Schultz) d Horsham Hurricanes 0 (C. Hassall, D. Jochinke, J. Di Pietro, W. Gulline).

Women: Yanac 3 (E. Alexander, N. Harding, C. Alexander; E. Alexander, A. Zanker, A. Farmers) d Kaniva 0 (I. Dickinson, H. Pearse, B. Knoll).

Warracknabeal 0 (E. Williamson, O. Knoop, E. Bull) drew with Horsham Jets 0 (K. Besselaar, L. Schilling, V. Ward). Dimboola Roos 4 (B. McMaster, E. Baldock, A. Askin-Klinge, J. Hauselberger; B. McMaster, T. Clark, J. Hauselberger, A. Baker) d

Pigeon beats driver home

Horsham Racing Pigeon Club’s second weekend of racing saw the winning bird beat its owner home.

Rod Overall released 18 members’ 861 entrants at Red Cliffs and was still driving home when his leading pigeon entered its Dooen loft.

After a two-hour, 42-minute flight, Overall’s pigeon landed 14 seconds ahead of Brian Watts’ Haven-based pigeon.

Allowing for ‘overfly’ – the 10.5-kilometre distance between the two lofts – the winning pigeon averaged 1592 metres a minute, two kilometres faster per hour than the Haven pigeon.

Kevin King’s leading pigeon was 20 seconds away in third place.

All three placed pigeons averaged more than 95 kilometres per hour, separated by decimal points; a very different race to the previous week’s.

The Dooen loft success is all the more commendable as the leading mob out of the 861 birds had to break from the fast flying, much smaller mob, leading the pack.

Pigeons, like many birds, are gregarious in nature, they like to fly as a group rather than individually. Typically, they over-fly the short lofts and then need to turn back losing average velocity – not so this time.

During the first weekend’s races, the winning pigeons flying from the two Ouyen release points averaged 53 and 60kmh.

Red Cliffs’ leading pigeons averaged a much faster velocity, in effect flying the extra 100km in the same time.

With the fresh winds from Mildura, mobs of pigeons were seen flying at high altitude on a north-south direction before diving down to their home lofts.

The Red Cliffs race was flown with favourable north easterly winds ranging up to 20kmh with gusts of 30kmh; the pigeons flew basically on-line to Horsham. In the Ouyen race, some of the leading pigeons came in from the north-west so slightly off-line due to the westerly breeze.

Nhill Thunderbirds 0 (K. Clark, C. Shurdington, B. Cannell).

Under-16: Kaniva Raiders 0 (L. Williams, J. Beattie, D. Stimson, A. Carter) drew with Yanac Warriors 0 (H. Zanker, A. Zanker, L. Dickinson).

Warrack Revengers 9 (H. Knoop 5, S. Williamson 2, N. Eilola, C. Peters; H. Knoop, S. Williamson, C. Peters) d Horsham Bombers 0 (K. Besselaar, J. Mills, H. Di Pietro). Nhill Leopards 4 (D. Bee 3, B. Clark; B. Clark, D. Bee, A. Marra) d Dimboola Kangaroos 0 (C. Elliott, R. Hadzig, A. Pretorius, R. Wallace).

Development program: Kaniva Rampagers 0 v Yanac Lowan Stars 3 (E. Alexander, L. Reichenbach, A. Reichenbach). Warrack Avengers 1 (S. Camilleri) v Horsham Black Hawks 0. Nhill Bandits 2 (H. Albrecht, M. Chequer) v Dimboola Kookaburras 3 (L. Hauselberger 2, C. Wallace).

The next race will also be from Red Cliffs.

Bronze for Smith

Wimmera water skiing champion Peter Smith added to his trophy collection last week, claiming a bronze medal at the IWWF World Over 35 Waterski Championships in Canada.

Smith placed third in the over-65 men’s jump final with a jump of 24.5m.

He finished equal 30th in the slalom and 12th in the tricks categories to place sixth overall in the men’s over-65 category.

It was Smith’s second bronze medal at the championships, matching his thirdplace finish in the over-65 men’s jump final in Spain in 2024.

Smith is a former Wimmera Sports Star of the Year, achieving national and international success after only taking up the sport competitively at age 59.

spOrT

Brought

Major events boost new season

BY DAVID BERRY

Volleyball Horsham’s winter season has commenced with an opening round of close encounters, old faces returning and new faces stepping up.

The flagship A Grade competition welcomed back experienced players

Clay Heard, Jack Exell and Paddy Sherry into the Shados Inala team, but not even those ‘old boys’ could stop the rampaging current crop of young stars in the Illusions team, being on the receiving end of a close four-set result.

Jack Hannan’s Rangers made short work of a young Stars team

missing key middle Joel Brilliant. Hannan received good supply from returning Delaney Bray, who has taken up the setter’s role in the premier team.

Nathan Berry’s Heidelberg turned on their ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ best impersonation in defeating Dimitrios Vettos’ Hellenic Nuggets in four sets.

Nuggets exploded out of the blocks taking the first set in emphatic fashion, only to be completely overrun in the remaining three sets.

The new look B Grade competition saw Kayla Kelm’s In Trent We Trust team show how far they have come when they accounted for the young FilAUS team in straight sets,

but not without a strong fight from their younger opponents.

In other games, Josh Russell’s Horsing Around team was too strong for Phantoms, We Gonna Lose Again had to dig deep to beat Tsunami, while Wilson continued Filos woes from last season in scoring a three-set win.

Association vice-president Laelah Robertson said the winter season would see an increase in participation across all grades, with the lack of court space a telling factor on team entries.

“Already most divisions are at capacity, with only one spot remaining for a female team in the women’s competition, and two spots remaining

Hamilton dominates table tennis

The Horsham Table Tennis clubrooms were abuzz at the weekend as players from Hamilton, Mt Gambier and Warrnambool joined local players to compete for the Donahue Shield.

With the exception of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event has been contested annually since 1964 and sees some of western Victoria and South Australia’s best players battle for the trophy.

As it had done in 2025, the Hamilton team dominated in all categories – men, women and juniors – followed by Warrnambool, which had an 11-year run of success broken by Hamilton last year.

Warrnambool’s Simon Johnson continued his dominant winning streak in the men’s competition, narrowly nudging out Hamilton’s Nathan Combes as leading player.

In the past 26 outings, Johnson has been part of the winning men’s side 25 times, losing his only match against Horsham champion Leon Forrest and also missing one year of competition in 1991 while playing cricket for Victoria.

Ranked 56 in Australia, Johnson had success in the veteran, over-30 and over-40 divisions in 2024 and 2025, but now combines his love of sport with spending time with his family and young son.

In the women’s division, Hamilton was too strong, convincingly beating Mt Gambier.

Hamilton young gun Katie Wood-

bridge claimed the honour of leading player over teammate Arlene Wagner.

Ruby Rankin is just short of 12 years of age, but played an exciting and aggressive game to go undefeated in the junior division. Billy Fitzpatrick, also from Hamilton, was runner-up.

Horsham’s men’s team consisting of Leon Forrest, Rhys Hermans and Trevor Niblett played several close games, including some five-set contests that could have gone either way.

Jodie Morrow, Emmalee Anton and Kerry Hepburn were also challenged in many close games in the women’s section.

for junior teams,” she said. “With junior entries being extended to take advantage of the later start to the season, we are caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.

“We hope we can fill those two junior spots, but on the other hand, we can’t cater for any more than two teams.”

Robertson said it was an exciting season ahead, with Volleyball Horsham hosting the Junior Country Championships West next month, the annual Big Smash for juniors in October and Harry’s Match and the Horsham Tournament in November.

“We know the junior country champs teams will want to come to Horsham

and experience the thrill of a Volleyball Horsham-hosted tournament,” she said.

“We have received enquiries from Adelaide from new clubs wishing to participate in the Horsham Tournament, and we are fully aware we have limited capacity, so I have no doubt we will have to close entries off early, just as we did last year.

“We always talk about, among our volleyball community, just how good it would be to have more court space.

“The ball is well and truly in your court Horsham Rural City Council – we would love to hear from you exactly what you have in mind going forward.”

Three Wimmera

racing clubs among finalists

Wimmera clubs make up three of the four finalists in Country Racing Victoria’s Community Club of the Year award.

Ararat Turf Club, Donald and District Racing Club, Horsham and District Racing Club and neighbouring Casterton Racing Club are the four finalists.

Winners of all categories will be announced at the annual CRV Awards evening on August 22.

The community club award is presented to the club with six or fewer race meetings deemed to have achieved the best performance for the 2025-2026 racing season, the winning club to receive a $20,000 grant from CRV as its prize.

Ararat Turf Club chairman Adam Atchison said the club was thrilled to again be a finalist.

“To be recognised as a finalist for the Racing.com Community Club of the Year is an incredible achievement for the Ararat Turf Club,” he said.

“It reflects the commitment of our volunteers, the support of our community and the strong partnerships that enable us to deliver quality country racing.

“We are proud to represent Ararat and the Wimmera and celebrate the important role country racing plays in bringing regional communities together.”

prepares to serve.

Forrest, the club president, said all Horsham players would benefit from the experience of playing stronger opponents.

The tournament culminated with a lunch in the club rooms catered by Horsham Table Tennis Club members.

Results: juniors – Hamilton, Mt Gambier, Warrnambool, no Horsham team; women – Hamilton, Mt Gambier, Warrnambool, Horsham; men – Hamilton, Warrnambool, Horsham, Mt Gambier; aggregate – Hamilton, Warrnambool, Mt Gambier, Horsham.

The 2027 Donahue Shield competition will be in Warrnambool.

Donald and District Racing Club chairman Leigh Herben said it was an honour to be recognised among a hot field.

“Being named a finalist is a proud moment for the Donald and District Racing Club and the entire Donald community,” he said.

“This recognition reflects the passion, teamwork and community spirit that underpin our club, and the collective efforts of our committee members, staff and volunteers.

“We are honoured to stand alongside other nominees and clubs that continue to showcase the very best of country racing.”

Horsham and District Racing Club president Pop Murray said it was an incredible honour to be nominated for a second year for Community Club of the Year – which it won in 2024-25.

“To be recognised alongside so many outstanding clubs is a wonderful achievement in itself,” he said.

“This nomination belongs to every volunteer, member, owner, trainer, jockey, sponsor and supporter who gives their time and passion to our club.

“Their commitment is what makes our racing community so special, and we’re proud of what we’ve built together.”

State school teams’ success

Horsham College’s Ryder Thomas and Marian College Ararat’s Patrick Harrington are national champions after being members of winning Victorian teams at last week’s School Sport Australia Games in Melbourne. Ryder was part of a School Sport Victoria 15-and-under boys netball team that went undefeated at the games, coming from six goals down in Friday’s gold medal match against Queensland to win 40-32. Patrick was a member of the 14-and-under boys Victoria Blue football team that also went undefeated at the games, not conceding a goal during its pool matches before beating South Australia by 33 points in a semi-final on Thursday and Western Australia by 62 points in Friday’s final. Also competing at the games were

Nhill College pair Douglas Lunga and Jack Dodds, representing Victoria White.

Their team won its first pool game against Queensland but dropped contests against Western Australia and South Australia to miss the finals. They rebounded to beat the ACT by 60 points in their first consolation game before losing to Queensland, finishing sixth overall.

Dimboola College’s Giselle Clugston was a member of SSV’s 15-and-under girls netball squad, which dropped its first two games against Queensland and New South Wales before winning its next six in a row to reach a semifinal.

The team again lost to New South Wales, but defeated South Australia in a third-place playoff to cap a successful games.

LOCKED IN: Horsham’s Trevor Niblett

FOCUSED: Jodie Morrow represents Horsham in the Donahue Shield competition against players from Hamilton, Mt Gambier and Warrnambool at the weekend. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Bibby leads Hawks in win

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Tatyoon kept a glimmer of hope for a miraculous 2026 Mininera and District Football League finals appearance alive with a nail-biting win against rival Ararat Eagles on Saturday.

The Hawks are still two games adrift of the top five with two rounds remaining, but can improve their odds of reaching the post-season if they beat fourth-placed Glenthompson-Dunkeld in a must-win clash this weekend.

Tatyoon would also need to beat third placed Hawkesdale-Macarthur in round 16 – a daunting challenge – and have multiple other results go its way to qualify.

But the first step in the equation was beating the Eagles, which the Hawks managed in a 15.9 (99) to 15.7 (97) thriller on Saturday.

Tatyoon trailed the visiting Eagles

by 13 points at quarter time and 10 at half time, before slipping to a 30-point deficit at the final change.

Staring down the barrel of a season-ending loss, the Hawks rallied to produce a spectacular six-goals-to-one fourth quarter, led unsurprisingly by captain Josh Bibby.

Bibby finished with five goals in another best-on-ground performance, bringing his season total to 42.

With the support of other standouts including Josh Lee, Riley Keith, David Brady, Arthur Armstrong and Clay Gorman, the Hawks reeled in the Eagles with little time to spare.

Ararat fought valiantly to protect its lead in the last quarter but was unable to stop the Tatyoon onslaught, despite outstanding games from Ryan Weppner and Jack Wilson, who kicked four goals each.

Elsewhere, Great Western was on the wrong end of a close margin, los-

Ballinger moving on

AFL Wimmera Mallee region manager Ange Ballinger will step down next week after four years in the job.

AFL Wimmera Mallee club development lead Liam Brady will serve as interim manager while AFL Victoria searches for a full-time replacement.

Ms Ballinger said it was difficult to depart from the role, but believed she was leaving the region in a strong position.

She said she was proud of several achievements during her tenure, including the introduction of the Wimmera’s first-ever female football competitions.

“Yes, the numbers are small, but we’re doing it really sustainably and carefully,” she said.

“We now have a playing opportunity without people having to travel two and three hours, which I think is extraordinary.

“I think it’ll just continue to grow gently and sustainably in the years ahead, so that’s hugely exciting.”

Ballinger said other highlights of her time as manager included the introduction of an under-15 AFL Wimmera Mallee Youth Development Academy, headed by coach Stuart

Farr, the expansion of junior skills programs and Minyip-Murtoa being named the AFL Community Club of the Year in 2025.

“I’m really proud of the AFL Victoria support staff that we’ve brought into the region, in game-development officers and participation coordinators,” she said.

“It means we are delivering so much stuff now – Auskick in schools and school-holiday programs from Kaniva to Ararat, covering all the corners of the region, which I don’t think we’ve been able to do in the past.”

Ballinger will take up a position as campus co-ordinator at Longerenong College, describing it as a new challenge.

“I’m still really passionate about the area. I love the country, the rural communities and what they can do,” she said.

“I’ll always love community sport, and just because I’m going on to something else doesn’t mean that that passion is minimised in any way.

“I’ve been region manager for Sunraysia for the past four years as well, so it’s a big chunk of geography.

“The travel takes time, and I’m just

ing 9.15 (69) to 9.8 (62) against SMW Rovers.

The Lions were slow out of the blocks, but found form in the second quarter to draw within four points at half time.

In the third quarter they slipped again, trailing by 25 points at the final change.

Great Western mounted another comeback in the fourth quarter, egged on by a home crowd, but despite kicking four goals to one their effort came up short.

Captain Alex Bonner was best afield for the Lions, with Zac Armer, Dan Ladgrove and Oli Reynolds among other top players.

Moyston-Willaura looked a chance to break through for its first win of the season after being within a kick of visiting Wickliffe-Lake Bolac at half time on Saturday, but a strong second half from the Magpies saw them kick

away to a 10.19 (79) to 8.9 (57) win. Xavier Keilar led the way for the Pumas, with coach Rhys Cronin kicking three goals and Lachie Cranstoun and Aaron Pianta featuring prominently. Other results saw Lismore-Derrinallum 13.13 (91) defeat Hawkesdale-Macarthur 8.6 (54), Penshurst 17.14 (116) top Caramut 4.8 (32) and Glenthompson-Dunkeld 18.14 (122) overpower Woorndoo-Mortlake 8.10 (58).

In the penultimate home-and-away round this weekend, Great Western will be on the road against undefeated reigning premier Lismore-Derrinallum, Tatyoon travels to play Glenthompson-Dunkeld and Ararat Eagles host Moyston-Willaura, while Hawkesdale-Macarthur is away to Wickliffe-Lake Bolac, Caramut hosts Woornodoo-Mortlake and Penshurst visits SMW Rovers.

wanting to be a little bit kinder to myself. I want to take back a little bit of time for my family and for friends and other pursuits.”

Ms Ballinger thanked the region’s clubs for their support during her time as manager.

“I want to give a genuine, heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers at the clubs for what they give,” she said.

“It still astounds me and I’m always impressed by their efforts and their passion – I applaud them.”

– Colin MacGillivray

Whelan and Elliott earn recognition

A pair of teenage Wimmera football talents had plenty to celebrate in the past week, with Chase Whelan named to the under-16 boys All-Australian Team while draft prospect Archie Elliott kicked seven goals in the Talent League.

Whelan was named in a forward pocket of the All-Australian Team following his outstanding play for Victoria Country in the AFL National Development Championships during the past two months.

He starred for Victoria Country with four goals in a win against arch-rival Victoria Metro, before kicking two more in a loss to South Australia.

Despite being sidelined early in his team’s third game – a loss to Western Australia – his first two performances did enough to earn him a nod from the All-Australian selectors.

While Whelan, 16, is too young for this year’s AFL draft, Horsham Demons product Archie Elliott boosted his draft stock only a few days short of his 18th birthday with a seven-goal haul against the Bendigo Pioneers on Sunday.

Playing for the Greater Western Victoria Rebels at Ballarat’s Mars Stadium, Elliott also added four marks and four tackles to his 13 disposals. AFL draft analysis website Rookie Me currently lists the 182cm forward as the 31st-best prospect on its 2026 draft board, but his play at the weekend could see Elliott rise higher before November’s national draft.

Chase Whelan

Ange Ballinger

WiMMEra LEaGUE

with Lauren Henry

Rats reclaim top spot

A10-goal

haul to coach Tom Williamson propelled Ararat to an ominous 106-point win over Southern Mallee Thunder in a one-sided round of Wimmera league football.

The Rats, who finished the game with 40 scoring shots to 19, scored a percentage-boosting win that has resulted in reclaiming top spot on the ladder.

The Rats shot out to a 19-point lead by quarter time, with Williamson opening his account early in the match at Alexandra Oval.

He booted two goals in the first and second quarters, before kicking just one in the third, and then piling on five majors in the last term, when the match was a foregone conclusion.

Ararat, through the work of ultra-consistent midfielder Ben Taylor, the talented Naish McRoberts and stand-in ruckman Baydn Cosgriff held a commanding 49-point lead at halftime.

Williamson told 3WM Local Football Live it was the first time the Rats had put together four quarters of footy – and in a scary proposition for the rest of the competition, still have at least two key players in forward Tom Mills and usual ruckman Cody Lindsay to come back into the side.

Williamson was quick to acknowledge the Rats’ midfield who set him up perfectly with plenty of inside 50s to take advantage of.

But it was the Rats’ defenders who Williamson praised most.

“Obviously going into the game –they’re a very strong clearance side – they’ve obviously got a pretty handy ruckman in Kieran Delahunty so we knew they were going to get the ball in

there through clearance and I thought our backs’ ability to compete and then our spread off them and our ability to make Alexander Oval big, they just couldn’t defend off the back of it and a lot of our ball movement just opened up off the back of that,” he said.

Williamson said the three games ahead before finals facing Nhill, Minyip-Murtoa and Horsham Saints would be the perfect lead into this year’s finals series.

“ We’re building in our back half of the year. We’re going to get all our players back and to have strong competition is exactly what we want,” he said.

For the Thunder, who was best served by Harry McLeod, Angus McSweyn and Billy Lloyd, they will look to quickly move on and focus on this Saturday’s game against Warrack Eagles, who will also be smarting from a loss to Horsham Demons.

Top five all but set in A Grade

The top five of Wimmera league A Grade netball is all but set, with Nhill needing a minor miracle in order to break into the five.

While the undefeated Horsham Saints enjoyed a bye, the Demons scored a convincing 22-goal victory over Warrack Eagles, Ararat won by 28 goals over Southern Mallee Thunder, and Stawell held off Minyip-Murtoa to win by six goals – round 15 was all about Nhill causing a major upset over Dimboola.

The first quarter could not have been more even, with scores level at 13-apiece, before the Tigers skipped out to a three-goal lead by half-time.

With Erin Ewer – crossing over from her usual Kybybolite club side in the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football

Netball League to fill in for Nhill –unstoppable in goal defence, Laharum permit player Ilze Van Zyl, and Ruby James on song at goal shooter, the Tigers put their foot down in the third term to take a 43-35 lead into the last break.

Dimboola, through defender Bridget Dorrington and goaler Nicole Polycarpou, pegged back the scoreline in the fourth quarter, but were unable to change their fate, as Nhill scored a 54-48 win.

It was only the Tigers’ fourth win of the season – but their best yet – and they now sit sixth on the ladder and 12

IN CONTROL: Nhill’s Tess McQueen looks to pass.

points out of the five. In order to make finals, they would need to win all three games – against Ararat, Warrack Eagles and Horsham Demons – and rely on Stawell or Ararat to lose their remaining matches. Even then, it would come down to percentage, which Nhill has the lowest of the three teams.

While they’ve hit a purple patch, Stawell has to play the Saints and Dimboola, and has a bye in the next three weeks.

The Warriors celebrated their cocoach Jemma Clarkson’s 250th A Grade games for the Stawell club with a win over the Burras on Saturday.

Clarkson – a nine-time club A Grade best-and-fairest winner and 2015 Heather Hatcher medallist – was again

It was anyone’s game in the first half, albeit the Demons did not capitalise in the second half, kicking one goal, six points against the home side’s one goal.

But Horsham took its chances in the third term, outscoring the Eagles 20-3, before continuing on in the final term to win 60-25.

In other games, Nhill was far too good for Dimboola, taking home a 104-22 win.

Lachlan Gill, Xavier Bone and Darcy Honeyman were standouts for the Tigers, with Frazer Driscoll and Drew Schneider booting three goals each. Stawell held onto third spot, four

points ahead of Nhill, with a 75-point win over Minyip-Murtoa.

Cody Driscoll and Paul Summers kicked five goals each but it was Josh Fowkes, Tom Eckel and Zac Marrow who impressed most as the Warriors led all day.

Oscar Gawith with six goals, along with Nic Ballagh and Lachie Johns put in solid efforts for the Burras, who, along with Dimboola, are yet to score a win in season 2026.

The Burras and the Roos, who drew last time they played, face each other this weekend, while Horsham Saints come off a bye to host Stawell.

crucial for the Warriors, playing a standout role in goal attack, while defender Meg Walker also shone. Minyip-Murtoa’s ever consistent Johanna Griffiths and Lauren Dodgshun were best for the visitors.

Horsham Demons held strong against the Eagles to lead at every change, as Febey McClure and Zarli Knight had a day out.

Meanwhile, at Ararat, the performances of defenders Demi Bligh and Bridie Price inspired the Rats to a 5830 victory over the Thunder.

This Saturday, Southern Mallee will host the Eagles at Rainbow, Minyip-Murtoa play Dimboola, while the Saints host Stawell, Ararat travel to Nhill, and the Demons have a bye.

ON THE RUN: Nhill’s Liam Albrecht tackles Thomas O’Dwyer, Dimboola, as he manages to get a kick away.

CAUGHT: Dimboola’s Heath Clugston and Luke Searle tackle Jarryd Dahlenburg, Nhill. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

INCOMING: Dimboola’s Steph Glover guards Ilze Van Zyl, playing for Nhill on permit from Laharum.

Kees, Cougars, Tigers battle for spot

Kalkee took a big step forward in a tight Horsham District senior football finals race when it beat fellow top-five contender Kaniva-Leeor United by 29 points on Saturday.

The Kees, Cougars and Pimpinio will fight for the fourth and fifth finals berths in the next two weeks, with Harrow-Balmoral, Laharum and Noradjuha-Quantong destined to claim the top three places and the league’s other teams eliminated from finals contention.

Entering what was a virtual mustwin game to keep their hopes alive, coach Clint Burdett said the Kees received a boost from the weather gods.

“We’ve been praying for a bit of warmer weather and conditions that suit us a little bit better,” he said.

“We’ve toughed it out through the middle of the year with some wet Saturdays and boggy grounds, because we’re a light-bodied side, so it was nice to finally get some nice sunny weather that helped us move the footy a lot quicker than what we’ve been able to do throughout the middle of the year.”

Kalkee used the conditions to its advantage in the first quarter, finding angles to open up the centre corridor and move the ball quickly into attack.

The Kees led 20-2 at quarter time, but the Cougars found their footing in the second and third terms, kicking nine goals to six to draw within four points at the final change, with rebounding defender Lochie Eats and midfielder Josh Clayton making an impact.

But Kalkee re-established its dominance in the last term, kicking five goals to finish with a 14.11 (95) to 10.6 (66) win.

While Matt Nield starred for the Kees with four goals on a wing, Burdett said it had been the side’s best overall performance for the season.

“Jayke Greig has had a really good month of footy. He’s been fantastic because we’ve lost two ruckmen this year with Doug Grining and Mitch Mills going down,” he said.

“Our back six were fantastic. Paddy Mills was fantastic, Matt Magee, and

the youngsters Jagger Doolan and Jye Dolan were great. I thought Deacan Campbell did a terrific job at full back as well.

“For effort it was probably our best game for the year with 21 contributors.”

With the recent announcement he would continue as Kalkee coach in 2027, Burdett said he was excited about the near and long-term future of the team.

“I’m looking forward to the next couple of weeks, because there’s a lot that can happen in the last two games, especially with the three teams that are fighting for two spots,” he said.

“It’ll be very interesting, because it might end up coming down to that round 18 game between Pimpinio and Kaniva-Leeor.

“If we happen to sneak into the finals and we have a full side, we think we could do anything. I don’t think any of the other teams will be keen to come up against us.”

Elsewhere at the weekend, Edenhope-Apsley continued a strong second half of the season by beating Swifts for the second time in 2026 at Edenhope.

The Saints trailed by 24 points at quarter time before dragging themselves back into the contest with a five-goal second term.

But they still trailed by 17 at the final break, and back-to-back goals from Swifts’ Liam Scott – his fourth and fifth for the afternoon – looked to

have secured a win for the visitors on the verge of time on.

Trailing by nine points with six minutes remaining, the Saints received some inspiration from Will Irwin, who knocked a loose ball to team-mate Allan Mcintyre and received a handball back to run into an open goal for his seventh major of the afternoon.

Billy Cameron then capped a huge last quarter when he ripped the ball from a pack and snapped a goal to put the Saints in front with little over three minutes left, and the home side hung on for a 13.10 (88) to 12.12 (84) victory.

The result continued an unfortunate trend of losses in close games for the Baggies, who are 1-7 this season in matches decided by fewer than four goals.

Another close game played out at Dock Lake Reserve, where Rupanyup defeated home side Taylors Lake 17.8 (110) to 14.7 (91).

The Lakers trailed for most of the afternoon but launched a comeback attempt in the fourth quarter, kicking five goals to three.

But their effort fell short, as Rupanyup’s Marlon Motlop starred with seven goals, Blake Turner added four and Jack Kreuzberger was a standout in the midfield.

Best for the Lakers were Patrick Lindsey, Dylan Bates, Koby Westerland and coach Lee Marshall, who kicked four goals.

A shorthanded Harrow-Balmoral took care of business at Natimuk Showgrounds, defeating Natimuk United 14.13 (97) to 10.3 (63).

Despite missing several key players, the three-time reigning premiers broke free in the second half, with Will Plush and Cody Deutscher kicking four goals each and Will Burbury continuing his excellent season in the midfield.

The Rams have a bye this weekend, while the Roos will host Edenhope-Aplsey at Harrow. Laharum will return to action to play Swifts on the road, Noradjuha-Quantong is home to Kalkee, Kaniva-Leeor United hosts Taylors Lake and Pimpinio is away to Rupanyup.

Rams defeat Roos in must-win game for finals contention

The tightness of Horsham District league’s A Grade netball finals race was on display at the weekend as Natimuk United earned a vital onegoal win against fellow contender Harrow-Balmoral.

The Rams and Roos are two of four teams vying for the fifth finals berth, with Laharum, Noradjuha-Quantong, Edenhope-Apsley and Kalkee secure in the top four positions.

Also in the mix for fifth place are Pimpinio and Kaniva-Leeor United, who will play each other in a round 18 blockbuster.

But for now fifth place belongs to Natimuk United, thanks to its heart-stopping 39-38 win at the weekend.

Coach Danielle Hanson admitted she let out ‘a massive sigh of relief’ when the final whistle sounded, after the Roos had come back from a five-goal quarter-time deficit to take the lead in the last quarter.

“Any longer and they might’ve had us, because it was just goal for goal in that last quarter. They really evened it out,” she said.

“We knew it was going to be a tough match from the start – we knew they’d come out firing because we both had a chance to make finals, so winning that game was a must for both of us.

“As you can see, there wasn’t much between us on the day.”

Hanson described the game as a defensive battle, with co-captain Beth Sudholz and Keeta Scown excelling at goal defence and goal keeper.

“Beth stands out every week, and she’s really good at reading the play outside the ring, so she picks off a few intercepts, which is really great,”

Hanson said.

“Her and Keeta have really started gelling well together in the second half of the season.

“I had Eb Rintoule, who is our other defender, on the bench all day unfor-

tunately. I couldn’t get her on with the way Beth and Keeta were playing.”

Another key for the Rams was goalie Emma Uebergang, who took only 23 shots for the game but made 19 of them.

“Especially in that second half, no matter where she was she’d turn and shoot, and most of them would swish in,” Hanson said.

“She’s only 16 or 17, and she didn’t show any nerves whatsoever – she held her head and did really well in the second half.”

Natimuk United has a bye this weekend, and will face a daunting task against Edenhope-Apsley in the final round.

While the Rams’ finals chances are likely to hinge on the results of other teams, Hanson said a close finals race was good for league spectators.

“It might actually come down to the Pimpinio and Kaniva-Leeor game in the last round,” she said.

“We might need to rely on Pimpinio winning and then it’s going to come down to percentage, so it’s going to be down to the wire, that’s for sure.”

Elsewhere on Saturday Kalkee beat Kaniva-Leeor United 50-40, with Tamika Mentha leading the way in the midcourt and Emily Polack continuing an outstanding season in defence.

The beaten Cougars’ best players were Zoe Hawker and Ellen Bennett, who each spent a half at centre.

Kaniva-Leeor United now trails Natimuk United by two games, but has the best percentage of any of the four teams vying for fifth place.

The Cougars must win their final two games against Taylors Lake and Pimpinio to give themselves a chance of playing finals.

The Lakers will be full of confidence however, after beating Rupanyup 5742 at the weekend.

Led by Zoe Gray, Madison Scott and

a 32-goal haul from Tayla Eltze, Taylors Lake earned its second win of the season in convincing fashion. Best for Rupanyup was goalie Phoebe Downer with 25 conversions. Edenhope-Apsley was far too strong for Swifts at Edenhope, winning 6618.

Hannah Magasanik excelled in the midcourt before switching to goal attack in the last quarter, scoring six goals, while coach Lavinia Fox was the spearhead in attack with 47 scores in the absence of Dee Dee Lambert. This weekend the Saints will travel to play Harrow-Balmoral while the Baggies will host Laharum. Noradjuha-Quantong and Kalkee will meet in a top-four clash at Quantong, the Cougars host the Lakers and Pimpinio is on the road against Rupanyup.

ACTION: Kalkee’s Andrew Devereaux tackles Cougars’ Lachlan Bates.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

IN FORM: Kalkee young gun Jye Dolan, with Kaniva-Leeor United’s Charlie Maddern, impressed on the weekend.

Back-to-back for Burras

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Minyip-Murtoa

made history in 2025 as the first-ever Wimmera Football Netball League senior women’s football premier.

On Sunday at Horsham’s Coughlin Park, the Burras created more, becoming the competition’s first backto-back premiers.

Despite not having beaten their grand final opponent, Laharum, in two home-and-away encounters this year, the Burras recreated last year’s grand final result by downing the Demons 4.2 (26) to 0.3 (3).

The return of several key players to bolster Minyip-Murtoa’s line-up helped the team to a 45-point turnaround in one week after losing to Laharum by 22 in the final match of the home-and-away season.

Among the players to return for the Burras was Steph Glover, who lived up to coach Nick Cushing’s pre-game billing as the ultimate on-field leader with a best-on-ground performance in the grand final.

But the star midfielder had plenty of support, with Georgia McIntyre and Scarlett Funcke also returning to bolster the onball division.

Stacey Arnold also slotted into defence to form a deadly key-position tandem with Jayde Ellis, who was one of the Burras’ best players, with the pair helping keep the Demons goalless.

Despite a 23-point final margin, Cushing said the game was closer than it appeared.

“I thought our game could’ve gone either way – it was just down to moments,” he said.

“Our players took their moments, which was really great to see, but I can’t fault the effort of Laharum. They battled all day.

“They’re always a tough match-up coming in, and we knew that.

“Our girls were just good in the contest and took their opportunities

in front of goal when we needed it, which was great to see.”

Best for the beaten Demons were defender Ema Iredell, captain Jess Cannane, midfielders Violet McGennisken and Lilly Weir and wing Cat O’Dea.

The game marked a second straight grand final defeat for the Demons, who have topped the ladder in each of the competition’s first two home-andaway seasons.

Juniors

But while Laharum had to content

itself with a runner-up finish in the senior grand final, its under-15.5 girls team celebrated a premiership with a win against Horsham.

Defeated by Horsham in last year’s grand final, the Laharum juniors made amends with a comprehensive 6.3 (39) to 2.4 (16) win led by Ellua Boyd, Bella Spokes, Lilly Peucker, Lydi Boyd and Lucy Miller.

Horsham’s top players included Mila Payne, Chloe Stockdale, Lacy Perry, Indigo Pope, Trinity Wilson and Chloe Symes.

Laharum coach Rachael Fear praised the effort of her players, who won five straight games including the grand final after dropping their first two matches of the season.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better day, the way the girls came out and played,” she said.

“They put in the effort throughout the year, and it’s good to see from the first game of the season to the last game the improvement that the girls have made.”

Despite coaching at separate clubs, a unique connection saw Fear and Minyip-Murtoa senior coach Nick Cushing celebrate premierships together.

“She was my mentor at Longerenong College when I was there,” Cushing said.

“It’s pretty good that we’re both premiership coaches at the same time.”

SPECIAL: Minyip-Murtoa

coach Nick Cushing and Laharum under-15.5 coach Rachael Fear reunite while celebrating their respective premierships.

CAUGHT: Minyip-Murtoa’s Ashlee Ison tackles Laharum’s Jess Cannane.

JUNIORS: Laharum’s under-15.5 team celebrate a premiership win against Horsham. Lilly Peucker and Evie Martin raise the cup.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER CELEBRATION: Minyip-Murtoa players celebrate their back-to-back premiership.

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Minyip-Murtoa captains Jayde Ellis, left, and Ashlee Ison, with forward Adele Reardon, hold the cup aloft after the Burras went back-to-back in Wimmera Football Netball League’s senior women’s football grand final at Coughlin Park on Sunday. In a repeat of the 2025 decider the Burras had the last laugh over pre-game favourites Laharum. Story, page 43.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER